Managing Let-down and Making the Most of It, Part 1

Let-down – that tingling sensation when your milk starts to flow – can be both a blessing and a challenge when you're breastfeeding. While it's a sign your body is doing exactly what it should, it can also mean unexpected leaks and wasted milk if you're not prepared. The good news? Haakaa has some wonderful ways to manage let-down and capture every precious drop of breastmilk, as well as tips on what to do with it all (though more on that next time).

Understanding the Milk Ejection Reflex

The let-down reflex (also called the milk ejection reflex) is an automatic response that happens when you breastfeed or pump. When your baby suckles or you begin expressing milk, nerves in your nipples send signals to your brain, triggering the release of oxytocin and prolactin. These hormones cause the milk-producing cells in your breasts to contract and push milk through the ducts towards your nipple.

Most nursing mothers experience their first let-down within 1-2 minutes of latching or pumping, though you may have several let-downs during a single feeding session. Some mums feel a tingling, warming, or tightening sensation when milk lets down, while others don't feel anything at all – and both are completely normal! You'll know let-down is happening when you notice your baby's sucking pattern change from quick, shallow sucks to deeper, rhythmic swallowing.

The Challenge of Leaking Milk

Here's something many breastfeeding mums discover: let-down can happen in both breasts simultaneously! So, when you're nursing your baby on one side, the other breast often experiences let-down too – and if you're not prepared, that can mean leaking breastmilk soaking through your clothes. This is especially common in the early weeks when your milk supply is still establishing itself.

Your let-down reflex can also be triggered by things like hearing your baby cry (or any baby cry!), thinking about your little one, or even just looking at their photo. While this is a beautiful sign of your body's connection to your baby, it can be inconvenient when you're out and about – nobody wants to deal with wet patches on their shirt during a coffee date or work meeting!

Collecting Let-down Milk Instead of Wasting It

So, how do you save leaked milk instead of it being absorbed? This is where milk collectors become absolute lifesavers for breastfeeding on the go. Rather than using traditional nursing pads that simply soak up the milk, these clever devices catch every drop so you can build a breastmilk stash without any extra effort.

The Haakaa Ladybug Silicone Breastmilk Collector is an absolute game-changer for managing let-down while nursing. When you feed your baby on one breast, the other often experiences let-down too – and instead of letting that milk soak into a nursing pad, the Ladybug catches it for you! With its gentle suction, it sits discreetly in your bra and collects milk without stimulating additional production or affecting your milk supply. Available in 40ml, 75ml, and 150ml sizes, you can choose based on how much you typically experience during let-down. It's perfect for building a freezer stash without any extra effort!

The latest (not to mention INCREDIBLY popular) addition to our collector range is the Petal Soft Silicone Milk Collector – and it's fantastic for mums on the go! This clever one-piece design shapes perfectly to your breast and sits discreetly in your bra, making it the ideal breast pad alternative when you want to save every precious drop instead of letting it go to waste. What makes the Petal so special is its ultra-soft, medical-grade silicone construction and scalloped shape, which comfortably accommodates most breast shapes and sizes. The internal supports hold the Petal's shape throughout the day, so you can move around confidently without worrying about accidental spills or leaks. It won't draw out additional milk, making it perfect for mums who experience let-down but don't want to increase their milk production. Simply pour your collected milk through the curved opening into a storage container when you're ready – easy as!

Managing Overactive Let-down or Forceful Let-down

Some nursing mums experience what's called an overactive let-down or forceful let-down – when milk flows so quickly and forcefully that it can overwhelm your baby, causing them to cough, sputter, or pull away from the breast. This is especially common in the early weeks when you might have oversupply, or during that first powerful milk let-down of a feeding session.

If you're dealing with fast let-down, here are some tips that can help:

Try a laid-back or side-lying position where gravity may help slow the flow of milk, making it easier for your baby to manage. You can also gently unlatch your baby when you feel the let-down reflex starting, catch the initial spray in a milk collector, and then relatch once the flow slows down. This way, you're not wasting that expressed breastmilk – you can save it for later!

The beauty of using a silicone milk collector during forceful let-down is that you can catch that initial powerful spray before bringing baby back to the breast. This makes feeding more comfortable for your little one all while ensuring you don't waste a single drop of liquid gold.

Triggering Let-down When You Need To

Sometimes you might need to trigger your let-down – perhaps you're pumping at work, exclusively pumping, or just need to encourage your milk flow. Here are some effective ways to help stimulate let-down:

Relaxation is key – stress can interfere with oxytocin production and delay your let-down reflex. Find a comfortable, quiet spot where you can relax before breastfeeding or pumping breastmilk. Some mums find that breast massage before and during feeding or pumping helps encourage let-down. Gently massage your breasts in circular motions from the outside towards the nipple, or try breast compression while your baby is feeding to help the milk flow.

Warmth can also be incredibly helpful for triggering let-down. Try placing a warm cloth on your breasts for a few minutes before feeding, or even have a warm shower – many mums experience spontaneous let-down in the shower! Looking at photos or videos of your baby, smelling their clothing, or listening to a recording of them can also help trigger the milk ejection reflex when you're separated from them.

Storing Your Collected Breastmilk

Once you've collected your let-down using your Ladybug or Petal, you'll need to store it properly. Remember to transfer collected milk to a storage container within two hours if you plan to feed it to baby. The Haakaa Silicone Milk Storage Bags are perfect for this! These eco-friendly, reusable bags hold up to 260ml and are fridge- and freezer-safe, making them ideal for storing breastmilk, whether you're building a milk stash at home or need to transport expressed milk while out and about.

Of course, collecting might not always be possible. For those moments when let-down happens unexpectedly and you need quick protection rather than collection, having nursing pads on hand can be a lifesaver. The All-Day Reusable Nursing Pad Set or Disposable Nursing Pads will keep you dry and comfortable.

In an upcoming blog, we’ll go through the benefits of collecting your let-down in a bit more detail, so stay tuned!