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How is breast milk produced?
This is usually a question that new mothers or some woman has asked at some point and it's how is breast milk produced?
This gold liquid for the newborn and infant has everything it needs for them to develop and grow. But how does the female body produce milk?
Mammogenesis
All this female process occurs thanks to the action of different hormones before and after childbirth.
First, the breasts must be developed for the lactation period. So, mammogenesis is directed by the secretion of a hormone, estradiol.
Estradiol allows the ducts of the mammary gland to grow and elongate. Also, it allows the maturation of the nipples.
At the same time, the maturation of the ducts requires the intervention of another hormone, progesterone.
How is breast milk produced?
Milk production is mediated by a hormone known as prolactin, which is released by the pituitary gland, specifically the anterior pituitary.
However, throughout pregnancy the levels of prolactin in the blood are high, this is thanks to the action of estradiol.
Essentially, estradiol will stimulate the pituitary to release prolactin, but there will be no milk production. Likewise, the inhibition is due to the action of estradiol.
After delivery, estradiol and progesterone levels decrease, thus leading to lactogenesis, that is, milk production.
Reflexes of breastfeeding
Very well! All of the above can happen due to the presence of reflexes that allow the production and descent of breast milk. There are reflections of the mother and the child.
Mother's reflexes
There are two reflexes related to the mother. The first is the prolactin reflex.
In the nipple and areola there are a series of receptors that are stimulated when the child sucks. This stimulus travels through the nerve pathways to the anterior pituitary, in order to release prolactin.
Subsequently, prolactin exerts its effect on the cells of the mammary gland so that lactogenesis occurs.
The second reflex is the oxytocin reflex. It happens the same as the previous one, the baby's sucking stimulates some receptors so that the impulse is transmitted to the posterior pituitary.
Next, a hormone called oxytocin is released. Oxytocin reaches the mammary gland, mainly, to some muscle cells.
The effect that oxytocin has on this tissue is lactopoiesis, which means that it allows the milk to escape.
Baby reflexes
The first reflex is the sniffing reflex, this happens when the child brushes the breast with his cheek, at the moment he tries to look for the nipple.
The sucking reflex is when the child presses the nipple on the roof of the mouth with the help of the tongue. Lastly, the swallowing reflex occurs when the child swallows milk.
Types of breast milk
Did you know that there are 3 types of breast milk? You've probably heard of colostrum.
Colostrum is the first milk produced in the last days of pregnancy up to the first 4 days postpartum.
In addition to the above, early milk corresponds to the milk secretion produced by the mammary gland after colostrum, up to the first two months.
Later, intermediate or mature milk is found. This milk is the one that is produced between two and six months.
Of course, it is a milk with excellent nutritional characteristics. It is said to be the best milk, its composition is rich in sugar and lipids.
On the other hand, late milk is the one that forms after the seventh month. At this point, the milk does not have the characteristics of the quality milk of previous months.
Composition of breast milk
Both colostrum and breast milk are made up of the following macronutrients respectively.
Water 87-88%
Lactose 5.3 g% - 7 g%
Fat 2.9 g% - 3.8 g%
Proteins 2.7 g% - 0.9 g%
Casein 1.2 g% - 0.4 g%
Colostrum calories per 100 cc is 57, while human milk has 70 calories per 100 cc.
Also, colostrum and human milk are made up of vitamins and minerals.
Breast milk and the immune system
Breast milk is an excellent source of immune elements that give the baby immunity.
It contains immunoglobulins, they are nothing more than antibodies that protect the baby from infections such as respiratory infections (pneumonia), diarrhea, among others.
The importance of this is that the newborn does not have a fully mature immune system, even if it is a full-term newborn.
So, through breastfeeding, you are providing the baby with what it needs so that its body can defend itself.
In addition to this, breast milk also has elements that induce immunomodulation, which means that it helps the child's immune system to develop.
How is the growth of breastfed infants?
A baby who is exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life has better weight growth, that is, it is unusual for them to have growth retardation.
On the other hand, the characteristics of a child who has a delay in growth is a decreased muscle tone, it is a very tearful child, the appearance of the skin is wrinkled, among others.
Problems during breastfeeding
It is very common for mothers to show some problems in the first weeks of breastfeeding.
What's more, if you feel identified, the recommendation is that you discuss it with your doctor so that an early detection can be made and, thus, find a solution.
Thus, the most frequent problems during breastfeeding are.
Pain in the nipples: It is important that you identify if the pain appears when you begin to breastfeed or throughout the breastfeeding.
Cracks in the nipple: One of the measures is to use a correct breastfeeding technique.
Mastitis: It occurs when there is an inflammation of the breast, in addition, it can be accompanied by an infection.
I hope this article helps you in your breastfeeding process and you can learn about all the changes that occur when you are breastfeeding.
