Lactation begins after delivery when mammary glands produce milk. Estrogen and progesterone inhibit milk production during pregnancy. Pituitary hormones, especially prolactin, support milk production. Suckling triggers oxytocin release for milk ejection
Mammary glands are modified sweat glands that produce milk in response to infant suckling. Breast contains 12-20 lobules organized radially around the nipple. Milk drains through nipple pores to lactiferous sinuses. Montgomery glands secrete oil to cleanse nipple openings
Baby's chin pause indicates milk intake, longer pause means more milk. Timing feedings by clock is not recommended. Asymmetric latch: chin in breast, nose not touching
WHO recommends breastfeeding within first hour of birth. Exclusive breastfeeding for first 6 months, then continued until 2 years. Breastfeeding reduces risk of infections and SIDS for babies. Breastfeeding is less expensive than formula
Undernutrition causes 2.7 million child deaths annually. Optimal breastfeeding could save over 820,000 children under 5. Only 44% of infants aged 0-6 months were exclusively breastfed 2015-2020
Lactation is the production of milk from mammary glands for feeding young. Process begins during pregnancy and continues until milk production stops. Can be induced during pregnancy or non-pregnancy with proper hormones