It usually occurs about 2-3 minutes after the start of breastfeeding or using a breast pump. The “let-down” might not occur easily if you are worried or stressed. Try these suggestions to let the milk flow.
Promote relaxation
Take a warm shower or bath prior to nursing.
If you are in any pain, take Advil or Tylenol about 30 minutes before you expect to nurse. Pain can cause stress and inhibit let-down
Set up a “nursing nook” where you always go to breastfeed or pump that is quiet and without distraction. Have a comfy chair, pillows, footstool, soothing music, warm beverages easily available
Take several deep breaths and close your eyes before you begin
Hold your baby skin-to-skin
Get in a warm bath with baby and nurse there
Singing or humming can speed let-down
Distract yourself – watch TV, talk on the phone, read a book, etc
Place a heating pad or warm herb pack on your shoulders and/or across your breasts
Have a helper massage your back and shoulders before and while you nurse with aromatic oil such as Clarins Relaxing Massage Oil
Switch nurse: move baby back and forth frequently between breasts
Visualization
Imagine the beach or other relaxing place: Use all five senses; imagine the sights, smells such as the salt air, sensations such of the sand under you or the warmth of the sun on your skin, imagine tastes and what you might hear
Try to visualize and “feel” what the let-down response feels like.
Imagine your milk flowing or use images of waterfalls or a river of milk
Think of your baby’s soft little hand moving at your breast
Excellent book on visualization techniques is Mind Over Labor by Carl Jones