What is the 'let down' reflex?

The 'let down' reflex, also known as the milk ejection reflex, refers specifically to the release of milk from the alveoli, which are the tiny sacs in the breast where milk is produced and stored. This reflex is triggered by the baby suckling at the breast or other stimuli, such as hearing the baby cry or thinking about breastfeeding. When this reflex is activated, the hormone oxytocin is released, causing the muscles around the alveoli to contract and push the milk into the ducts that lead to the nipple, making it available for the baby to consume.

Understanding this reflex is crucial for breastfeeding counselors as it plays a significant role in the breastfeeding experience, affecting not only the mother’s ability to provide milk but also the baby’s feeding efficiency. The other options describe different aspects of breastfeeding, such as initiating the process or the production of colostrum, but they do not accurately define what the 'let down' reflex is.