Lactation: Definition, Lactation Process, Lactation Hormones

What Is Lactation?

Lactation is the production and secretion of milk from the mammary glands of mammals after parturition. Besides providing nutrition, lactation confers immunological protection to neonates owing to the presence of several antibodies in breast milk. The initiation of lactation is mainly due to hormonal changes during and at the end of pregnancy, particularly by the fall in progesterone and the increase in prolactin and oxytocin.

Lactation Preparation

• Mammary glands in the body undergo severe changes during pregnancy in preparing for lactation.

• At about the fifth or sixth month of pregnancy, the glands begin producing colostrum, a very nutritious fluid representing the first milk to which newborns are exposed.

• Colostrum contains high amounts of immunoglobulin A, which is very crucial in the development of the newborn's immune system.

Lactation Process

• Lactation refers to milk secretion from the mammary glands.

• Following parturition, the hormonal environment changes to permit an increase in milk production.

• The stimulus to breastfeed, in turn, causes the release of oxytocin, which then causes the ejection of milk from the alveoli into the ducts where it is now available to the infant.

Hormones Of Lactation

Several hormones have key roles in lactation:

• Prolactin: This hormone triggers the production of milk in the alveoli.

• Oxytocin: This hormone enables milk ejection reflex and enables milk to reach the nipple.

• Estrogen and Progesterone: These are hormones that prepare the breasts to be able to lactate during pregnancy; however, they also inhibit milk production until delivery has occurred.

Can Lactation Happen In The Absence Of Pregnancy?

Yes, this can also occur with lactation in non-pregnant individuals due to several reasons such as hormonal imbalance or even effects from some medications.

This may be from diseases like hyperprolactinemia, whereby too much prolactin is secreted thus stimulating milk production even when one is not pregnant.

Physical Properties Of Milk

• The composition changes over time.

• The milk present right after birth is colostrum.

• A few weeks after delivery, mature milk starts coming out.

• Mature milk contains the right proportions of all the nutrients that are needed by the child including fats, proteins and carbohydrates for healthy growth and development of the infant.

Advantages Of Breast Feeding

• Some of the advantages of breastfeeding feeding both for the mother and the baby are

• In babies, it offers the best nutrition and enhances the immunity of the baby, which in turn diminishes the possibility of developing or catching any kind of infections, besides other serious chronic diseases.

• In mothers, it makes one heal well after birth and reduces the risk of developing certain cancers like cancer in the breast and ovaries.

Challenges Of Lactation

Even though breastfeeding is very advantageous, there exist several challenges that most mothers go through in breastfeeding, such as;

• Poor supply of milk.

• Very painful breastfeeding.

• Social pressures/lack of support

Weaning And Cessation Of Lactation

• Weaning is the gradual withdrawal of the baby from breast milk toward solid foods.

• This process may vary significantly across cultures and people. When milk demand decreases, lactation slows naturally.

Importance Of Support For Lactating Mothers

• The support a breastfeeding mother receives from the health care provider, family, and community goes a long way to a mother's success with this practice. Much education regarding technique and troubleshooting often resolves many issues.

Conclusion

Lactation is one of the critical elements of maternal and infant health. Lactation helps to provide proper nutrition and immune protection to the newborn. Breastfeeding or lactation makes much sense if one learns the process, the involved hormones, and the benefits. Even amidst challenges, an adequate amount of support and education can enhance the experience of breastfeeding for the good of mother and child.

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