Anxiety and Let Down Reflex

[Powelly]

We are hoping to conceive our second (and final) baby sometime this year but I am a bit worried about breastfeeding. I breastfed by DS for a year but towards the end of the journey I developed moderate anxiety and I found that this would inhibit my let down reflex so that on occasion, I was unable to feed my son. I did get great support from some lactation specialists, but all I was told was "to relax" which seems easy enough, but proved difficult because the more DS got frustrated, the more stressed I got and then I would be worrying about the next feed, long before it was due. I am recovering from the anxiety now, slowly but surely, and I would be gutted if I couldn't breast feed my next baby if the anxiety returns. Anyone had experience with this and what are your success stories / advice? (Mods feel free to move?). I wanted to do the research now so that I'm not worrying about it during my pregnancy. Many thanks :-)

[Barb Glare]

It sounds like, overall your first breastfeeding experience was a very succesful one. YOu did a great job, espeically after developing the anxiety.
It is worth knowing that the milk ejection reflex (letdown) is one of those cast iron reflexes in the body that always, always works. What anxiety does is skew our perception - we worry about whether it works, and then start obsessing about it.
In your situation it may have been compounded by having a lowish milk supply which would be normal at that age.
Think of it like this - there is another "letdown" reflex in your body that works - your bladder. When it is full - it can letdown rather quickly and forcefully ie when you are "busting" On the other hand, when it's not so full - the letdown takes longer - eg if you try to "go" before you go out. Anxiety can affect both - but just at the margins. Have you ever been to the dr and unexpectedly the ask for a urine samlple? You sit there, thinking about running water, trying to relax - but it seems to take forever. It's similar with your milk letdown reflex. Anxiety can inhibit it - but not stop it. When your realise it works- always works it takes a load off your mind. You can also teach yourself a few little hints to help you out if it becomes an issue. Some mums find it works best if they are distracted - flick on the TV or read a magazine. Others find they can learn a few little visualisation techniques.
Hope this helps

[Powelly]

Thank you so much Barb. That's great advice. I really want to give my next baby the same as what I gave my son. Thank you :-)