- By sucking at the breast, your baby triggers tiny nerves in the nipple.
- These nerves cause hormones to be released into your bloodstream.
- One of these hormones (prolactin) acts on the milk-making tissues.
- The other hormone (oxytocin) causes the breast to push out or ‘let down’ the milk.
- The let-down reflex makes the milk in your breasts available to your baby.
- Cells around the alveoli contract and 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 down them.
- The let-down may happen if you see or hear your baby or even just think about him.
- The let-down can also be triggered by touching your breast and nipple area with your fingers or by using a breast pump.
- People often say that your let-down may not work as well if you are very anxious, extremely tired, upset or in pain. The truth is that breastfeeding is a powerful process. With support and encouragement, mothers cope with many different stresses and still breastfeed successfully.
Ways you can help your let-down to occur when feeding or expressing:
- Relax. While you feed or express, breathe slowly and deeply. Some mothers find it helpful to have a warm drink first or listen to calming music. Warmth may also help, for example having a warm shower or placing a warm face washer on your breast for a few minutes before starting.
- Gently massage your breasts. Stroke your breast towards the nipple with the flat of your hand or edge of a finger. Gently roll your nipple between your fingers.
- Think about your baby. 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, you may find it helpful to look at a photo of your baby.
- Support. Your support person may also help by giving you a gentle back and shoulder massage to help you relax. Some mothers, however, prefer to express or feed in private as they feel under pressure if anyone is watching them.
www.breastfeeding.asn.au
Pancutan susu terhasil dari rangsangan hisapan bayi pada saraf-saraf di areola. Semasa proses ini, signal akan dihantar ke 'pituitary gland' di otak. Dan akan menghasilkan dua jenis hormon. Iaitu prolaktin dan oxytocin. Hebatkan cara bagaimana susu ibu terhasil? Subhanallah
- Prolaktin bertindak pada alveoli (tisu di dalam payudara). Untuk mengambil protein dan gula dari darah di dalam badan dan menukarkannya kepada susu.
- Oxyticin pula beri kesan kepada sel-sel di saluran susu, untuk keluarkan susu dari tempat takungan. Dan keluar melalui saluran susu. Proses ini dipanggil 'let down reflex'.
Terdapat beberapa faktor yang boleh mengganggu proses ini. Ini turut menggangu proses bagaimana susu ibu terhasil. Antaranya:
- emosi terganggu
- penat
- hisapan tak sempurna
- tertekan
- tiada sokongan dari sekeliling
- risau sakit di payudara atau rahim
- payudara membengkak pada awal-awal kelahiran
