Still Feeling Letdown?

Hi Dawn,
It can be hormonal,many women who never breastfed get very tender breasts leading up to their period,but having said that I am a 46 year old who stopped breast feeding a long long time ago and I still get that pang,especially if Im holding a baby.I think its a mix of yearning for that special bond and just being very maternal.Its instictive to hold a baby close to the breast.And what a pure natural feeling that is.
All I can say is that although we as women are unique we are at the same time very much alike.You are most definately not alone in feeling the way you do.
Best of Luck to you.

if your milk is "long gone" than it is not let down. there is nothing there to let down. it may be fiberouse breast tissue that is increased by things like caffine. it gets sensitive before your period.

I stopped breastfeeding a few months ago and I noticed that I still feel that let down sometimes too. It is kinda silly, and it really makes me wish I could still nurse.....lol. I agree with another mom about our bodies doing it for so long it takes time to forget. I nursed my first for 14 mos and 16wks of that was into my second pregnancy, and then when my son was born I nursed again. There is no telling how long this will last. I notice it more when I hold someone else's little baby, or when my son is crying and I cuddle him close. Sometimes I just think about when I used to nurse and it happens.....Mine never happens just around my period though, it can happen whenever....Anyway, I hope it doesn't last forever, but rest assured you aren't the only one.....lol
T.

I think that's normal. I had it for several years after I weaned my third child, but as all my kids are close together and I nursed through at least half of each pregnancy, I was basically a cow for five years. You're right, sometimes it would really hurt! I'd get it when I held my nieces and nephews and they rooted, too. I guess letting down is a learned response and it takes your body a while to forget it.