Reallllly slow let down

[Isadora]

I have a ridiculously slow let down. Not all the time, but maybe 3 times a day. Especially during the night feeds when I am really tired. Sometimes baby can still be trying to start let down 3-5 mins later. Poor thing gets so frustrated, and me too! And if I even start to think about it in the slightest, it takes even longer.

Can I do anything about this? Is this a sign that I am not producing enough?

[Barb Glare]

Hi,

It's not a sign that you don't have enough. The letdown reflex is one of those things that always, always works (sort of like the bladder let-down reflex - excuse the analogy) However, for some women, watching and waiting for it seems to delay it further. Try do distract yourself. This is a lot harder at night when you really just want to get back to sleep. But don't worry about it - your body is working fine, she'll just have to learn to be patient

[Isadora]

Thanks for the reassurance Barb. Though I'm still having this issue today and so far I've had it with every feed. I just sat there for close to 10 mins before I let down. I know I shouldnt be clock watching and I'm trying to watch the tv as worrying doesnt help. FINALLY she got some but only gulped for about 30 seconds and then starts screaming for more. When I squeeze I get not even a drop. I am still on motilium, fenugreek, a truck load of water, feeding as often as possible for as long as possible, what else can I do?! Baby has been feeding like a nutter, last night I was up 6 times, and same thing lonnnngggg wait for the let down and then only feeding for 30 seconds. Could it be that my supply is drying up?

I am the breastfeeding forum drama queen at the moment!!

[Barb Glare]

Hi,

Despite what people tell you, your milk doesn't/can't *just dry up*.
How often is your baby feeding in 24 hours? Both sides? What have her weightgains been like? (remember, from 3-6 mnths you are looking at a weightgain of around 70g-130 per week) Have you got your periods back yet? I have had other mums with a similar thing. Have a magazine beside your feeding chair. Or the laptop on belly belly. Try not to think about it.

[onthefly]

I find mine's really, really slow at bedtime. It's not too bad at first, but then DD wants more and she can be sucking for 20-30 minutes and no more letdowns. Aside from not thinking about it, is there anything else that can help?

[Isadora]

I think I may have panicked too soon, feeling foolish now. Probably my sleep deprivation making everything seem 100 times worse than it really is!

MadB - What do you do when she wants more and there is nothing?

Barb - She is feeding 9 - 10 times within 24 hours, sometimes a couple more or less. Both sides every time. Her weight gain last time was 400g within three weeks, so that was decent. I am thinking of visiting the CHN tomorrow morning for a weigh in, but debating whether to or not, for as you can see it doesnt take much to have my confidence knocked. Been through that before when she lost weight. I havent got my period back yet, thank goodness.