After your little one comes into this world, one of the greatest joys you can have as a mother is breastfeeding him. It strengthens the wonderful bond between you and your baby. But have you ever wondered how this breastfeeding process, or in medical terms , lactation, actually happens inside your body? You probably have a lot of questions about this. Things like "Will I get enough milk?", "How does this happen?", "What if there's a problem?" are probably on your mind. Don't worry, we'll talk about all this simply, in a way that you can understand, and in a friendly way.
What is simply breastfeeding?
Simply put, lactation is the natural process of producing and releasing milk from the mammary glands in your breasts. This amazing process begins when you are pregnant. The hormonal changes in your body are what "signal" your breasts, saying, "Okay, baby is coming, get ready to make milk."
This often happens during pregnancy, but even if you're not pregnant, you can artificially induce milk production by giving the same hormones that are secreted during pregnancy. This process stops once your body stops producing milk.
When you feed your baby directly to your breast, we call it "breastfeeding or nursing." You can also express or pump your milk into a bottle and give it to your baby. Both methods are great.
How does this amazing milk fountain form in our bodies?
Breast milk comes from the mammary glands inside your breasts. These glands work together to make milk. It's like a little milk factory. Think of this system as a big tree.
- Alveoli: These are the small grape-like sacs that make and store milk. They are found in clusters.
- Milk Ducts: Each milk-producing gland is connected to a milk duct. It is through this duct that the milk produced reaches the nipple.
- Nipple/Areola: The dark area around the nipple is called the areola . The sensory nerves in this area tell the body to let down milk. When the baby sucks, this entire area is stimulated. The milk comes out through the tiny holes in the nipple. When the baby is stimulated by hand or with a breast pump, the brain receives a message telling it to "let down milk."
Here are these parts and their functions in more detail.
| Breast part | What happens? |
|---|---|
| Alveoli | These small sacs, which look like clusters of grapes, are what produce and store milk. |
| Milk Ducts | The tube-like parts that carry the produced milk to the nipple. |
| Areola | The dark skin around the nipple. This is stimulated when the baby sucks milk, sending signals to the brain to let down the milk. |
| Nipple | This is where milk comes out of the body. When the nerves in this area are stimulated, they help the milk let down process. |
How does the process of milk production begin? (Lactogenesis)
This whole process starts with the hormonal changes that occur during your pregnancy. We call this (Lactogenesis) . It happens in three main stages.
| Stage | Time | What is happening? |
|---|---|---|
| First stage | From about the 16th week of pregnancy until a few days after the baby is born. |
|
| Second stage | Two or three days after the baby was born. | |
| Third stage | The entire time you are breastfeeding. |
What hormones control all this?
This entire process is controlled by an amazing hormonal system in your body. There are two main players.
1. Prolactin: This is the "milk producer." It determines how much milk your body will make. Although prolactin is produced during pregnancy, its action is suppressed by other hormones. It is only after the baby is born that prolactin gets the chance to show its work.
2. Oxytocin: This is the "milk let-down hormone." When the baby sucks on the nipple, a signal is sent to the brain, releasing oxytocin. This hormone causes the muscles around the mammary glands to contract, pushing the milk out through the milk ducts.
About 30 seconds after your baby starts sucking, do you feel like your breasts are filling with milk, or maybe even leaking ? That's what's called "milk letdown." It's caused by the hormone oxytocin. This is because only one breast can control this, so when your baby is sucking on one side, milk can drip from the other side as well.
What should I do to continue to produce good milk?
As mentioned earlier, breastfeeding is a matter of "supply and demand." Therefore, these things will help you maintain your milk supply.
- Feed your baby whenever he wants: Feed your baby whenever he wants. Otherwise, pump at least every 4 hours.
- Drink plenty of water: Breast milk is mostly water, so it's important to keep your body hydrated. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day.
- Eat a nutritious diet: Both you and your baby need to get the nutrition they need. Eating low-calorie meals can decrease your milk supply.
- Avoid smoking, drugs, and alcohol: These not only reduce your milk supply, but can also pass through your milk to your baby's body and cause serious harm.
What are the common problems that affect breastfeeding?
Not every mother's breastfeeding experience is the same. Some mothers breastfeed well for years. Others have difficulty producing enough milk for their baby. There are many reasons for this.
- Hormone levels and hormone-related conditions.
- Some medications you take.
- If you have previously received radiation therapy to the breast area.
- Injuries to the breasts or nipples.
- Breast surgery (e.g. breast augmentation or reconstruction surgery).
- Other medical conditions such as HIV infection.
- Drug and alcohol use.
Very important: While you are breastfeeding, do not take any medication, vitamins, or Ayurvedic remedies without talking to your doctor. Many things you take can pass to your baby through your milk. So always seek medical advice.
What do you do if you want to stop breastfeeding?
You may want to stop breastfeeding for various reasons. This can be done naturally or with medication as prescribed by a doctor.
Natural lactation
The law of "supply and demand" works the other way around. When you gradually reduce the frequency or amount of breastfeeding, the brain sends a signal that "I don't need as much milk right now." Then the body gradually reduces and stops making milk. During this time, the breasts may become engorged and painful. At that time, you can get relief by wearing a tight bra or applying an ice pack. If the pain is severe, ask your doctor for an appropriate painkiller.
By medication
In some cases, medications are used to stop milk production. It is best to discuss this and its side effects with your doctor before making a decision.
Are there any health benefits to breastfeeding for the mother?
Yes, absolutely! In addition to the benefits for the baby, breastfeeding also provides many health benefits for the mother. Studies have shown that breastfeeding,
- The risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer is reduced.
- The risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes is reduced.
- The risk of high blood pressure is reduced.
Breastfeeding is a precious gift for both mother and baby. If you have any concerns, questions, or discomfort regarding this, don't be embarrassed or sad. It's very normal. Talk to your doctor, family health worker, or a breastfeeding counselor for help.
Take-Home Message
- Lactation is a very natural and beautiful process controlled by your body's hormones.
- Milk supply is based on "supply and demand." If your baby drinks more milk or you pump more, your body will produce more milk.
- Colostrum, the first milk your baby receives, is rich in nutrients and antibodies that protect against disease.
- Be sure to talk to your doctor before taking any medication while breastfeeding.
- If you have any problems, pain, or discomfort with breastfeeding, don't be ashamed to seek medical advice. There are many people who can help you.
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