Babies are the most joyous gifts and if you are a young mother or going to be, you must be definitely the most happiest woman on earth. So, congratulations!
The first experience of becoming a mother starts with feeding your baby an experience that connects you and your baby not only physically but also emotionally.
But lot of young mothers have apprehensions about breast feeding. And a lot of older mothers who have gone through this phase more than once, still may not know how the process even works.
Which is why we thought this article may help those of you who are wondering how breast milk gets produced.
Lactation, or the production of breast milk, is a normal condition that occurs in women after delivery of a baby.
Anatomy of the Female Breast
The breast is a gland that consists primarily of connective and fatty tissues that protect the milk producing areas. The small bumps on the areola are called Montgomery Glands. They produce a natural oil which cleans, lubricates, and protects the nipple during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
How the milk is produced:
- The milk is produced in small clusters of cells, called alveoli.
- It then travels down milk ducts to the milk sinuses, which act as reservoirs that collects the milk.
- These sinuses are located behind the areola.
- Each nipple has 15 to 20 openings for milk to flow.
- When your baby nurses, his jaws and tongue press down on the milk sinuses that causes suction and allows the milk to flow out of your breast and into the baby’s mouth.
The nipple and areola (the pigmented area around the nipple) enlarge and darken during pregnancy. This will help the baby in latching-on by providing a clear “target” for him.
Does it start as a demand and supply process?
No. Milk production doesn’t start out as a supply and demand process. During pregnancy and the first few days postpartum, milk supply is hormonally driven – this is called the endocrine control system.
A mother will start making colostrum about halfway through pregnancy and her milk will increase in volume around 30-40 hours after birth.
Colostrum or new milk:
colostrum is the early milk made by your breasts, after the fifth or sixth month of pregnancy.
Once the baby is born, it is present in small amounts for the first 3 days to match the small size of the baby’s stomach.
Most babies do not need extra nutrition during this time.
How to keep your breasts clean:
Montgomery Glands produces natural oil that contains a bacteria killing enzyme. Hence you don’t have to use any external applications. Though you can use water to clean your breasts. If you use soaps there is a possibility that they can remove this protective oil.
Once you start breastfeeding it then becomes a supply and demand process. Therefore, the more often you nurse, the more milk you produce! Enjoy feeding your baby. You will definitely love the feeling of holding your baby so close to your heart and your baby will feel safe and secure in your warmth!
» Filed Under Chest Feeding
Comments
Leave a Reply
