Breast milk how does it work

The breasts will enlarge with pregnancy and breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is a supply-and-demand process. Therefore, the more you nurse, the more milk you produce! The nipple and areola the dark area around the nipple enlarge and darken during pregnancy. They produce a natural oil that cleans, lubricates, and protects the nipple during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

This oil contains an enzyme that kills bacteria and makes breast creams unnecessary. Use only water to clean your breasts.

Soaps, lotions or alcohol might remove this protective oil. Each nipple has 15 to 20 openings for milk to flow. NOTE: There may be many let-downs during a feeding, of which you may or may not notice. Because the brain plays such a large role in the release of hormones that cause the milk to eject, it is very normal for let-downs to occur in other situations as well.

For example, let-down may occur when you think about your baby, hear your or another baby cry, when it is your scheduled nursing time, when you are sexually stimulated or during orgasm. If the let-down occurs at an awkward time, cross your arms over your chest, or press the heel of your hand over the nipple area and apply pressure until the leaking stops.

It may also help to wear cotton breast pads without plastic liners in your bra to protect your clothing, especially during the first weeks. This type of response will usually lessen after the first few weeks of nursing.

Uterus Response Postpartum Release of the oxytocin hormone while breastfeeding will also cause the uterus to contract. This may be more noticeable if you have previously had children.

This mechanism helps your uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size quickly. Interference With Let-Down A variety of factors may interfere with let-down:. Colostrum Colustrom, the early milk made by your breasts, is present in small amounts for the first three days to match the small size of your baby's stomach. Most babies do not need additional nutrition during this time.

Begin breastfeeding as soon as possible after giving birth. Breastfeed at least 8 to 12 times per 24 hours so your baby receives this valuable milk. Colostrum has a yellow color, is thick in consistency, and is high in protein and low in fat and sugar. The protein content is three times higher than mature milk, because it is rich in the antibodies being passed from the mother. These antibodies protect your baby and act as a natural laxative, helping your baby pass the first stool called meconium.

Mature Milk Your milk will change and increase in quantity about 48 to 72 hours after giving birth. It may take longer depending on when you start breastfeeding and how often you breastfeed. The change in milk occurs a little earlier if you have breastfed before. The family plays a major role in the breastfeeding relationship between you and your baby. One of the most precious gifts a family can give is to take care of you and encourage and support a healthy breastfeeding relationship.

For example, family members can do the many household tasks that take your energy away from nursing the baby. They can also call your healthcare provider or look in the phone book for community breastfeeding lactation resources if you have any problems breastfeeding once you get home. There are many rewarding ways for family members to be involved in caring for the baby. Burping, diapering, playing, giving the baby massages, comforting holding and rocking, etc.

They are also a good way to get to know the baby. Bath time is a great opportunity for eye contact and play for the whole family. As the mother, having people help and encourage you are some of the most important things you will need to breastfeed successfully.

The first few weeks of breastfeeding are important. It is a time for learning what works best for you and your baby. It is also when your milk supply is being established. It can be a very frustrating time as well. The size of your breasts does not affect your ability to breastfeed.

Women with small breasts make the same quantity and quality of milk as women with larger breasts. When your baby suckles, it sends a message to your brain. The brain then signals the hormones, prolactin and oxytocin to be released. Prolactin causes the alveoli to begin making milk. Oxytocin causes muscles around the alveoli to squeeze milk out through the milk ducts.

After you've been breastfeeding for a while, the let-down reflex can happen for many other reasons, like when you hear your baby cry, or you see or think of your baby. It also can happen at the time of day you usually breastfeed your baby, even if your baby is not around.

Your baby helps you make milk by suckling and removing milk from your breast. The more milk your baby drinks, the more milk your body will make.

Frequent breastfeeding or milk removal times or more every 24 hours , especially in the first few days and weeks of your baby's life, helps you make a good milk supply. Your milk will continue to vary according to your baby's needs. Each time your baby feeds, your body knows to make more milk for the next feeding. The amount of milk you make will go up or down depending on how often your baby eats. By nursing for as often and as long as your baby wants, you are helping your body to make more milk.

At first, it might feel like you are doing nothing but breastfeeding. Soon, you and your baby will get into a pattern that works for both of you. Planning to be apart from baby? The first few breastfeeding meals after birth are small for baby, but full of that liquid gold — colostrum — and all the vital nutrients your newborn needs. Breast milk is produced in the glandular tissue alveoli of the breasts.

The smooth muscle tissue around each tiny milk-producing cell contracts when hormones are released. This is totally normal and is caused by the milk ducts dilating as your milk flows.

As a breastfeeding mom, you should be proud of the incredible nutrition you are providing for your little one!