milk-e·jec·tion re·flex

release of milk from the breast following tactile stimulation of the nipple; the afferent path is postulated to exist from the nipple to the hypothalamus; the efferent limb is represented by the neurohypophysial release of oxytocin into the systemic circulation; contraction of myoepithelial elements within the breast, caused by oxytocin, moves milk into the collecting ducts and toward the nipple.

Synonym(s): let-down reflex, milk let-down reflex

Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012

let-down reflex

Obstetrics A physiologic postpartum response evoked by sucking–or negative mechanical pressure on the ♀ nipple or by psychologic stimuli, causing the release–'let-down' of breast milk in a nursing mother. See Breast milk.

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References in periodicals archive

Some groups recommend collecting the milk specimen from one breast using an electric pump while the baby feeds on the other breast in order to take advantage of the let-down reflex. The collecting bottle must be provided free of contamination and should be washed, rinsed with water, and rinsed with acetone before being given to the mother.

Analytic considerations for measuring environmental chemicals in breast milk. (Chemical contaminants in breast milk: mini-monograph)

The petals in the cushion massage the breast while pumping to stimulate a natural let-down reflex. The silicone diaphragm produces a vacuum like a baby creates while breast-feeding.

Breast-feeding yields multiple benefits: study

Ensuring proper position of the infant at the breast and attention to the let-down reflex is the recommended method for prevention and treatment of nipple soreness.

Difficulty with the let-down reflex in the early days of nursing may compound the problem of sore nipples.

Management of common breast-feeding problems

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