HOW DOES MY BREAST FUNCTION TO PRODUCE BREAST MILK?
Breastfeeding for the first six months provides the best start for babies. It is a real foundation for improving short and long-term health. In addition to being the cheapest and most convenient way of feeding, it is also a great bonding experience.
It is advisable for new mothers to stay at home with their babies for as long as practical and to take full advantage of the 26 weeks maternity leave to which they are entitled; remember, your baby will never be this age again!
The Stages of Breastmilk
For the first six months, your baby will benefit most from having only your milk, since your breastmilk is perfect for your baby and adapts to meet your baby's changing needs.
Colostrum, the milk you produce in the first few days, is full of antibodies to protect your baby against infections. You will produce the right amount to meet your baby's needs:
- Colostrum is produced in the first few days after birth and is rich in nutrients
- It is ideally suited to the needs of a newborn
- It helps to establish important bacteria in the digestive tract
- It will act as a laxative and provide immunity and protection against certain infections
Transition milk will appear between days three and 10, before giving way to
Mature milk from day 10 onwards.
Most babies will need no other food, drink or water until they are about six months old.
Bear in mind that it is still possible, after a few weeks, to switch from bottle-feeding to breastfeeding, but that it is not always easy.
The Role of Hormones in Breastmilk Production
During the first half of your pregnancy, your ovary will produce hormones called oestrogen and progesterone (both are responsible for growth and development of breasts and glandular tissue in preparation for milk production).
During the second half of your pregnancy, your placenta takes over the production of hormones from the ovaries. This will cause the pituitary gland to produce another hormone called prolactin.
Prolactin then acts on the the alveoli , this causes the alveoli to produce milk colostrum.
