What causes let-down? Often, I could feel the milk supply starts moving when I hear or see a baby cry. Another instance will be after a hot bathe... I'll be rushing against time to get dressed with milk dripping down my tummy and thighs!!
A mummy friend just shared this in our Facebook group -
"The role of the milk ejection reflex (let-down) in milk production is indirect yet very important. Milk must be removed from the breast in order to stimulate more milk to be made, but it is not removed easily without the assistance of the milk ejection reflex, where oxytocin causes the muscle-like cells around the milk-making cells (alveoli) to contract and push milk out. The process of milk ejection is both amazing and complex in that it can be triggered both by physical stimulation and mental thoughts or emotions.
Another possible component that is often overlooked is the influence of the fullness of the ducts and alveoli. The principle is similar to the concept of a water balloon. When the balloon is very full and then let go, the water gushes out quickly; when it only has a little bit of water, it comes out more slowly when released. Your milk ejection is like a hand lightly squeezing that water balloon; when your breast is very full, milk tends to come out fast, but if it is only partially full, milk comes out more slowly."
Do check out the link to read more.
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