These stages bring about a very crucial aspect as far as the baby’s health is concerned and develop the bond between the mother and child. This can also be related to another process known as lactation, which is how breast milk produces itself through hormones. Learn all about it here in our content.
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Lactation and breastfeeding: the importance of breast milk
The relationship between lactation and breastfeeding is based on the importance of breast milk for children. The Ministry of Health states that this should be the exclusive food of children until at least six months, but should be present in the diet until two years of age.
Breast milk, as a result of lactation, contains many nutrients which are significant for healthy development in infants, though the benefit it gives to the mother, for instance, is relaxing her and also reducing the post-delivery weight gained by her. Another crucial importance is bonding between mother and child.
Role of the breast during lactation
Lactation is the result of a long process of maturation of the mammary glands. It begins in adolescence and reaches its peak during pregnancy. To better understand milk production, it is important to know more about the breasts.
The breast has three main structural points: lobes, ducts, and stroma. The first are composed of the milk-producing glands. The second transports the liquid to the nipple. The third is the set of adipose and connective tissue that surrounds the lobes and ducts.
After all, how does lactation happen?
The hormones prolactin and oxytocin are mainly responsible for maternal lactation . The first is the main stimulator of milk production. The second helps in the ejection of food to the baby and in the relaxation of the mother during breastfeeding.
The first stage of milk production is preparation of the breast through hormonal action. It involves small amounts of release of milk since there are high levels of progesterone and presence of placental lactogen, which brings about its commencement in the last trimester of pregnancy.
After birth, prolactin starts being released, marking the beginning of the second stage. During this time, progesterone levels start dropping due to the removal of the placenta. Then, the breasts start to enlarge. Oxytocin is released during labor and the newborn’s first suck. It takes three to five days after birth for milk to come in.
The third and final phase occurs after the relationship between pregnancy and lactation is over. During this phase, the quantity of breastfeeding the baby performs stimulates milk production by affecting both prolactin and the release of oxytocin. The quantity of milk produced increases with time. If the baby does not suckle, there might be an impediment to the release of prolactin.
Breast milk stages
Understanding a little more about what lactation is and how it works, it is important to know that breast milk has phases. The first one is colostrum, which has a transparent or yellowish appearance, containing proteins and antibodies essential for the baby.
Transitional milk is produced between the sixth and fifteenth days after birth; during this time period, it becomes denser and more voluminous as the milk contains a lot of fats and carbohydrates. Finally, there is mature milk which develops around the 25th day, which is white in colour and has a more consistent appearance.
Possible difficulties
In many cases of adult lactation , milk takes a little more time than expected to come in. This can occur in various ways, but there is no cause for despair. Some alternatives can stimulate milk to come out, such as suction and the use of manual or electric pumps.
There is also what is called “encrusted milk”. In this process, a large amount of milk is produced during lactation, and the breasts expand to receive it. Therefore, it is possible to find the presence of hardened spots or lumps. The main solutions are to increase the number of times you feed and massage your breasts.
There is also the opposite process, in which the ducts become clogged for some reason, such as incomplete drainage, too-far-flung feedings, or even a bra that is too tight. Some actions can help, such as increasing the number of feedings, changing the position used for breastfeeding , and massaging the area.
Remember that whenever you experience any changes or different sensations during breastfeeding, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. They can advise you on the best way to deal with the difficulties and how to make both mother and baby comfortable.
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