Let down a bit slow? There are things you can do to get the milk to flow.
The let-down reflex (or milk ejection reflex) is an automatic natural reaction that causes the milk to be pushed out through the nipple ducts
There are nerves in your nipples that are triggered by your baby’s sucking. These nerves cause two hormones to be released into your bloodstream.
Oxytocin triggers the let-down reflex
Prolactin is responsible for making breastmilk.
When the let-down reflex happens the milk-making cells in your breast squeeze out the milk, pushing it down the ducts towards the nipple. Oxytocin also makes the milk ducts widen, making it easier for the milk to flow.
The let-down reflex happens at the beginning of feeds but there will also be several more throughout the feed, though you may not notice these. You may also find that you get a let-down if you see or hear your baby, or even just think about them. The let-down becomes a conditioned reflex, so your breasts will respond to certain ‘cues’ like a baby crying (even if it’s not your baby!).
How do I know it's working?
A sure sign that you’ve had a let-down is a change in your baby’s sucking pattern. The quick, suck-suck changes to a rhythmic suck-swallow pattern as the milk begins to flow and your baby starts to swallow more regularly. Sometimes you might hear your baby swallowing.
You might notice some of these signs, though some mothers don't notice any:
a tingling feeling
a feeling of sudden fullness which can be quite strong, even painful sometimes.
milk leaking from the other breast (let-down happens on both sides at the same time).
feeling thirsty.
I don't think my let-down is working
Usually, your baby’s sucking at the breast will be enough to trigger the let-down and get your milk flowing.
Some things may delay your let-down or cause your milk flow to be slower:
feeling stressed or anxious - because stress hormones can inhibit the oxytocin that triggers your let-down
being in pain or uncomfortable
feeling extremely tired
being embarrassed or self-conscious, such as when feeding in public or trying to express at work
If you’re expressing, then it can be a bit harder to get a let-down. Your baby is better at doing this than your pump and you may just need a few techniques to help.
People often say that your milk supply can be impacted if you are very anxious, extremely tired, upset or in pain. The truth is that breastfeeding is a powerful process. Your let-down may take a little longer than usual, causing your baby to fuss at the breast or come on and off but your supply won’t be affected,
As your baby gets older, you may not notice your let-down as much as you used to. If your baby stays feeding at your breast, then it’s probably working just fine.
What can help me get a let-down?
While you feed or express, breathe slowly and deeply.
Drop your shoulders and relax your upper body and arms.
Put your feet up as you feed or listen to calming music.
Have a warm drink.
Briefly place a warm washer on your breast.
- Distractions can help. Worrying about the let-down can delay it further. Try thinking about or looking at something else other than focusing on the let-down.
- If you’re using a pump, you might find popping a cover over the collection bottle or look away so you don’t see how much milk is coming out.
Gently roll your nipple between your fingers.
Gently massage your breasts.
Stroke your breast towards the nipple with the flat of your hand or edge of a finger.
Ask someone to give you a gentle shoulder massage.
- Look at your baby and focus on your baby rather than the feeding.
- Visualise your breastmilk flowing.
- If you are expressing, you may find it easier to express while you are close to your baby.
- When you are away from your baby, look at a photo or video of your baby or smell a piece of their clothing.
The let-down reflex is a conditioned reflex. This means you can train your body to let-down on cue.
You may find it useful to get yourself into a predictable sequence of events so your breasts will get better at responding to these cues over time.
Similarly feeding in the same place can help condition your let-down reflex.
Your support person may be able to help you relax or take on tasks or remove distractions so it’s easier for you to relax.
It may be easier to feed or express without the pressure of others looking on.
© Australian Breastfeeding Association June 2025
Learn more about getting breastfeeding started
Evidence-led info and practical tips from our Breastfeeding Information Series
Breastfeeding: an introduction
Online interactive session free for members
Newborn Virtual Village - Working out your supply
