Let down reflex not working

[BettyBinx]

Hi everyone, sad times.

I’ve had a big shift in the way my boobs work at 5mpp. I used to have an over supply and really fast flow. As my boobs have adjusted to supply and demand mode, my lo won’t wait for my let down. Sometimes it just doesn't come at all, even when pumping.

I think it took a while before but because I had an over supply, she got some milk in the meantime to keep her interested.

I’ve been pumping lots and giving her expressed milk when she gets too frustrated. I’m in a bit of a no mans land at the moment. Sadly, I’m not sure if our breastfeeding relationship is going to make it 😥

Really interested to hear of anyone who’s experienced similar. Anyone who had to give up breastfeeding because of slow / non existent let down?

Or anyone who had slow let down who managed to speed it up?

Any help / advice / solidarity appreciated 🙏🏼

That sounds tough; one extreme to the next! My son was the same, forever impatient for the milk to come and the more I was thinking “come on milk” the longer it took. Have you tried nipple stimulating prior to a feed to get things going? I used to try and sit relax, take a few deep breaths and think of a nice memory and that really seemed to help. Your breasts will always make enough for the demand of your baby it’s just really hard when they’re demanding!

I had a similar problem. She was bottle fed expressed milk for 6 weeks before she latched (prem) so she was used to having it come immediately from the bottle. She didn't understand she had to wait a bit while on the breast. I second PPs suggestion of getting the milk going first and then latching on. Then I slowly decreased that until I didn't need to anymore.
It's hard but you're doing a great thing for your baby. It will settle, they'll get used to it and it will get easier . Good luck :)