Lactation:
Lactation mean – breastfeeding process is called Lactation.
– Breast milk or mother’s milk is milk produced by mammary glands, located in the breast of a human female. Breast milk is the primary source of nutrition for newborns, containing fat, protein, carbohydrates and variable minerals and vitamins.
Breastfeeding, or nursing, is the process by which human breast milk is fed to a child.Breast milk may be from the breast, or may be expressed by hand or pumped and fed to the infant. The WHO recommends that breastfeeding begin within the first hour of a baby’s life and continue as often and as much as the baby wants.Health organizations, including the WHO,recommend breastfeeding exclusively for six months.This means that no other foods or drinks, other than vitamin D,are typically given.After the introduction of foods at six months of age, recommendations include continued breastfeeding until one to two years of age or more. About 38% of infants are exclusively breastfed during their first six months of life.Breastfeeding has a number of benefits to both mother and baby, which infant formula lacks.
Breastfeeding is also less expensive than infant formula.Feedings may last as long as 30–45 minutes each as milk supply develops and the infant learns the Suck-Swallow-Breathe pattern.However, as milk supply increases and the infant becomes more efficient at feeding, the duration of feeds may shorten.
“Or”
Breast milk contains all the nutrients an infant needs in the first six months of life. Exclusive breastfeeding means that the infant receives only breast milk. No other liquids or solids are given – not even water – with the exception of oral rehydration solution, or drops/syrups of vitamins, minerals or medicines.
Breast milk has three different and distinct stages: colostrum, transitional milk, and mature milk.
What If I Don’t Breastfeed?
We’re all entitled to our individual choices. A woman might choose not to breastfeed or is unable due to illness, medication usage, breast surgery or other personal reasons. Breastfeeding is a personal choice. It’s our job as medical professionals to support new moms through this journey, no matter what that is. If you’re unable to breastfeed or prefer not to, your body still will produce milk, but it should dry up quickly. A lactation consultant can help you understand this process.
Is breastfeeding a lactation?
It’s also possible to induce lactation without a pregnancy using the same hormones that your body makes during pregnancy. Lactation ends once your body stops producing milk. Feeding your baby directly from your breasts is called breastfeeding (or sometimes chestfeeding) or nursing.
What are the stages of lactation?
The hormonal control of lactation can be described in relation to five major stages in the development of the mammary gland. (1) embryogenesis; (2) mammogenesis or mammary growth; (3) Lactogenesis or initiation of milk secretion; (4) lactation or full milk secretion; and (5) involution when the infant is weaned.
How long is lactation period?
Once lactation is established from about 2 weeks postpartum, milk production remains relatively constant up to 6 months of lactation for infants that are exclusively breastfed .Milk synthesis is not limited by the capacity of the mother to synthesize milk but rather by the infant’s appetite.
What is peak lactation?
Peak milk is the highest recorded test day milk production in a cow’s first 150 days in milk (DIM). Peak milk indicates how well the cow responds to feeding practices during the dry period, calving and early lactation periods. Most cows achieve peak milk by 45 to 90 DIM and then slowly lose production over time.
How do you calculate your lactation days?
In temperate dairy systems, total milk yield for 300 day lactation can be estimated by multiplying peak yield by 200. Hence a cow peaking at 20 litres per day (L/d) should produce 4000 L/lactation, while a peak of 30 L/d equates to a 6000 L full lactation milk yield.
What is late lactation?
Late lactation is an important, yet often overlooked part of the lactation cycle. This sets them up for calving and metabolic problems that negatively impact reproductive success and milk production potential in the next lactation. Maintaining milk production persistency will help prevent cows from becoming overly fat.
Is exclusive breastfeeding enough?
Exclusive breastfeeding is best for your baby-better than feeding your baby both breast milk and formula. Babies who are exclusively breastfed receive the greatest health benefits. You can do it! Most mothers can make enough milk for their babies-even enough for twins!
Which mothers should not breastfeed?
Mothers infected with human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I or type II should not breast feed their babies. Mothers who are taking illegal drugs like cocaine, PCP, heroin, marijuana etc. are not allowed to breastfeed their babies. This is because these agents can affect the baby and cause serious side effects.
What is intense lactation?
Hyperlactation -breast milk oversupply – can have many causes, including: Breast-feeding mismanagement. Too much of the milk production-stimulating hormone prolactin in your blood (hyperprolactinemia) A congenital predisposition. Medications that increase milk production.
What percentage of mothers Cannot breastfeed?
12 to 15 percent of women experience “disrupted lactation,” a statistic that includes more than “not enough” milk as a reason for stopping breastfeeding.
Is exclusive breastfeeding better than combination?
Why isn’t mix-feeding promoted more by breastfeeding supporters? There is no doubt that exclusively breastfeeding is the safest way to nourish an infant. As mentioned above, certain antibodies work to help prevent harmful pathogens or allergens being absorbed into baby’s bloodstream (often called “virgin gut”).
What is the average time a mother breastfeeds?
The average mom exclusively breastfeeds for the baby’s first six months, and then gradually introduces other food while continuing to breastfeed for 2 years or longer. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months after birth.
What are the types of exclusive breastfeeding?
A baby who nurses at the breast and receives pumped breast milk from a bottle.
A baby who only receives pumped breast milk from a bottle.
A baby who only receives breast milk directly from the breast.
When should I avoid breastfeeding?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that mothers feed their babies only breast milk for six months and continue breastfeeding for at least one year. After that, it really depends on how long the mother and child want to continue.
How do I know if my breast milk is contaminated?
Some people describe a “soapy” smell or taste in their milk after storage; others say it is a “metallic” or “fishy” or “rancid” odor. Some detect a “sour” or “spoiled” odor or taste. Accompanying these changes are concerns that the milk is no longer good for the baby.
What are the risks of mixed feeding?
Mixed feeding can increase risk of breast refusal
Feeding a baby by combining breastfeeding and bottle feeding increases the risk of a baby developing a preference for the bottle. Mixed fed babies can become fussier with breastfeeds, or even refuse to breastfeed.
How do you sterilize breast milk?
For future feedings of healthy babies drinking expressed breast milk, it’s sufficient to wash with hot, soapy water and let air-dry, or put them through the dishwasher. Place sterilized bottles and pump kit parts on a piece of paper towel to air-dry instead of a dishtowel, which could contain traces of bacteria.
What is the right method of breastfeeding?
You’ll want to gently grasp your breast with your thumb above the areola and fingers below, and tickle baby’s mouth with your nipple until she opens her mouth wide. Then, quickly hug her to your breast. She should have areola in her mouth as well, not just your nipple itself.
What is partial breastfeeding?
Partial breastfeeding was defined as the infant receiving non-human milk feeds such as animal milk, formula milk, vegetable soup, lentil, or other solid or semisolid food.
What are the essential techniques in breastfeeding?
You’ll want to gently grasp your breast with your thumb above the areola and fingers below, and tickle baby’s mouth with your nipple until she opens her mouth wide. Then, quickly hug her to your breast. She should have areola in her mouth as well, not just your nipple itself.
What is the most important benefit of breastfeeding?
Breastfed babies may become healthier children with:
Fewer instances of allergies, eczema, and asthma. Fewer childhood cancers, including leukemia and lymphomas. Lower risk of type I and II diabetes. Fewer instances of Crohn’s disease and colitis.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a breastfeeding?
Your body makes breast milk specifically for your baby. It is easier to digest than formula and may help prevent gas and colic. A breastfed baby’s bowel movements are not as smelly. Breastfed babies tend to experience less diarrhea and constipation as well.
What are benefits of breastfeeding?
The Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mom;
Reducing her breast cancer risk.
Producing oxytocin, which helps contract the uterus back to its pre-pregnancy size.
Reducing her risk of developing osteoporosis.
Burning calories and using mom’s fat stores for her breast milk.
Saving money, since breastfeeding is free.
How Can a Partner Support a Breastfeeding Mother?
A partner who wants to be supportive can offer to take something off mom’s to-do list, like laundry or making sure mom has something to eat. There’s a great opportunity for bonding time for the other parent, like making bath time with baby your special time together. It’s important for the non-breastfeeding partner to also bond with the baby.
Why Breastfeeding Can Be Challenging
Breastfeeding isn’t always easy. It may take time for new moms -and new babies – to learn this skill. Many women of childbearing age weren’t exposed to breastfeeding, either because the women in their lives didn’t do it, so for many, it’s a new concept. And, sometimes difficulties will arise. You’re exhausted and sore from delivering, and your baby will likely want to eat several times a night in the middle of the night during the first few weeks. Your baby’s belly is about the size of a nickel. She needs small, frequent feedings during the first couple of weeks. In fact, a typical breastfed baby will eat eight to 12 times in a 24-hour period. It may feel like your baby isn’t getting enough milk, but a lactation consultant can provide you with the tools to determine how well your baby is feeding. You may think that you’re not producing enough milk but you will. It’s important not to supplement breastfeeding with formula. I advise new moms not to use bottles, pacifiers, or pumps for the first four to six weeks, as these interventions will interrupt the supply and demand-driven process.
Another time breastfeeding can be challenging is when your baby is not latching properly. A good latch means better milk transfer for her and less pain and discomfort for you. If you’re still experiencing nipple pain for more than two minutes into a feeding after two weeks of feeding, contact a board-certified lactation consultant for help.
The Benefits of Breastfeeding for Baby
Breast milk provides the specific nutrients that meet your baby’s needs. It’s pretty amazing: Your milk supply will fluctuate based on your baby’s demand. Your baby will communicate what she needs from your body, and your body will then produce the quality and quantity of milk to meet those requirements.
Breast milk contains live immunity. When a baby consumes breast milk, he or she receives both immediate and lifelong immunities.
Breastfeeding can reduce your baby’s risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). While the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that mothers breastfeed for at least one year, research shows that breastfeeding as little as two months cuts the risk of SIDS in half.
Breastfeeding can reduce your baby’s risk of developing middle ear infections.
Breastfeeding can reduce your baby’s risk of developing diabetes, since breast milk contains no artificial sugar.
I hope that you liked this article.
Thanking you!! (by GS India Nursing)