Slow or absent let down at night

[mahaliha]

Been having a few problems bfeeding 6mo DD at night. Until recently she would wake up once or twice a night, have a quick feed and go back to sleep. All was well and I was happy to do this. Over the last fortnight, however, it's been taking ages (10-15 minutes) for the milk to let down. Sometimes it doesn't happen at all. Naturally DD and I are getting quite frustrated by this, although she will go straight back to sleep after we've given up, suggesting she doesn't need the night feeds at all, it's just the easiest way to settle her.

Whats really concerning me though is that the let down will begin to slow during the day as well (it hasn't so far). Does anyone have any advice/experience? I've tried deep breathing/visualisation to help "trigger" the let down with limited success so any other tips would be very gratefully received.

[MigGril]

Is it that you aren't feeling the letdown? It's quit commen for women to stop feeling let down once feeding is so well established (some women never feel it).

That in it's self is not an indication of a problem, her being fussy could be something else altogether. There are develpmental leaps and growth spurts that can cause unsettled behavior at night.

[NoNoNoMYDoIt]

is it possible she isn't looking for a feed but waking out of habit; and then getting frustrated because you are trying to feed her and she doesn't want it?

[mahaliha]

No I'm pretty sure the let down isn't happening as opposed to me not feeling it as I don't hear her swallowing the milk like she usually does. She'll also suck frantically, come off, cry, try again, come off, cry, try again etc until she gives up, poor thing.

Agree it could well be a habit or growth spurt. I'm also wondering if it could be linked to my hormones as it feels like I'm trying to ovulate. In which case maybe the mini pill may help?