Ways to speed up let down?

[whitney4126]

I returned to work at the beginning of January and ever since I've noticed that my let down is a lot slower than it use to be.  I get plenty of milk, but it often takes a full 10 minutes for anything to start rolling.  I have to pump at least 3 times while at work, and pumping for 20-25 minutes, plus set up and clean up, means I'm spending about 90 minutes of work time pumping each day.  While I have a flexible office, this is hard to fit in some days.  At home, I use to be able to pump 4 oz in 10-15 minutes every time.  I do massage/breast compressions.  I can't do heat because I'm limited in my office.  Are there any other tips (besides just relaxing) to speed up my let down?  

[ellabee]

How are your flanges fitting? I was always a super efficient pumper and could do 4 oz in ~10 mins, but then I started having trouble with let down. Turns out, the flanges I originally had for my bigger post-baby boobs were getting too big as my boobs were shrinking to their pre-pregnancy size. I sized down with the flanges and have had better success with both letdown and output.

It took me a while to think about the flanges...I originally just thought it may be the pump that was becoming less efficient.

[Deleted]

Pump maintenance new membranes check for air leaks
Smaller horns often needed as you get used to pumping and your nips aren't so puffy or swollen
Bend over at the waist and undo bra flaps and give the boobahs a shake and let them hang for gravity to help
Pics videos smells sights sounds of baby. Get a bit emotional as that can trigger left down
You sure you can't nuke a rice sock in the microwave or a hot washcloth from the bathroom?

[melody330]

So I know this seems counter intuitive, but try not turning the suction all the way up while you are pumping.

I had a really hard time getting a let down for the pump, and it would often take 10-11 minutes.  I found that if I start very very slow and gradually turned it up to about half way that I could get a letdown in about 2-3 minutes that way.  If I went too fast, it would screw up my session big time.  Very frustrating.

Hope you find something that works.

[lauranicole91]

Start off on a slower, less intense setting.

Watching videos or looking at pictures of your LO can help stimulate a let down as well.

And relax (obviously a lot easier said than done!)

[theresat858]

Pictures, videos of baby or just a random baby crying on youtube. Nipple stimulation. Massage.