Breastfeeding basics Breastfeeding basics - South West Health

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The hormones prolactin and oxytocin work
together to get your milk flowing. Prolactin,
the “mothering hormone” triggers the letdown,
while oxytocin causes the contractions
that move the milk along. Your body produces
these hormones when your baby suckles, or
maybe even when you just think of your baby
or hear any baby cry. Oxytocin, called the
“hormone of love,” also causes contractions
during childbirth and during orgasm. You may
notice that you have sexual feelings during
breastfeeding and milk let-down during sex.
Both are completely normal. It’s oxytocin at
iwork.
“I tried to breastfeed my first baby, but it just didn’t work.
It was so frustrating. I felt like a failure. I thought
something must be wrong with me. But, you know, I tried
again when the second one came along, and it worked!
I was much more relaxed, because I knew how to care for
the baby and all that. There was nothing physical wrong
with me. I must have been too uptight the first time.
Too nervous.” a nursing mother
Milk let-down is controlled by hormones,
and hormones are affected by your emotions.
Therefore, if you feel embarrassed or
uncomfortable, your milk might not flow
as easily. It is important to understand the
connection. Your milk is in there, but you
must relax enough to let it flow.
If your breasts leak
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Your breasts might leak at times after your milk
comes in. This happens more often in the early
weeks or months. Something has triggered your
let-down reflex, like the cry of a baby or simply
bending over. Your breasts will leak less often
the longer you breastfeed.
If leaking breasts bother you, use breast pads
or cotton handkerchiefs inside your bra. Breast
pads can be bought or made from circles of
cotton. Change your breast pads whenever they
are moist and avoid nursing pads with plastic
liners--they trap moisture against your skin.
You can also wear clothing that disguises leaks.
Try loose, printed clothing or dressing in layers.