Question

Describe the milk letdown response.

Answer 1

The milk let-down reflex is also known as milk ejection reflex. Milk let-down is a process wherein certain hormones are stimulated which help in the process of 'letting-down' of milk to her baby. When a mother is breast-feeding, the child's touch or suckle stimulates hormones which help in the process of milk let-down. When the child latches onto the nipple, prolactin acts on the milk-making tissues. This stimulates the oxytocin which helps in pushing the milk further down or let-out. The process of milk let-down helps make milk available for the child.