How does the breast make milk?

[admin]

-During pregnancy the body goes through changes to prepare for lactation.
-Within the breast there are alveoli ducts and mammary glands. During pregnancy these ducts and glands proliferate and circulation to the breast increases.
-Various hormones are produced by the brain that help mature the breasts for lactation.
-Once the placenta is delivered the final maturation of the breasts occurs over 2-4 days in the postpartum period.
-Within the first few days after birth the breasts produce a thick translucent substance called Colostrum.
-As the final stage a breast maturation occurs the breasts become enlarged, tight and tender, called Engorgement. This engorgement is not due to the increase in milk but the breast tissue reaction to hormone changes and increase in blood supply to the breast. This will resolve within several days.
-The baby's sucking action stimulates hormones in the brain to make milk. Therefore the more baby sucks at the breast, the more milk will be supplied which will reduce the potential problem of low supply.

Reference: Nicols F.H & Zwelling E. 1997 "Maternal-Newborn Nursing", W.B. Saunders Company, USA.