PHYSIOLOGY OF LACTATION

PHYSIOLOGY OF LACTATION

In relation to mother

Prolactin Milk-secreting Reflex sucking by baby at breast stimulates alveolar cells of the breast to secrete milk through secretion of the hormone, Prolactin, by the anterior pituitary. Prolactin level reaches the peak around 30 minutes of initiation of breast feeding, thereby getting ready milk for the next feed. Since pituitary gland secretes more prolactin during the night, breastfeeding at night specially helps to keep good supply of milk.

Oxytocin milk ejection reflex sucking by the baby sends sensory impulses from the nipple to the posterior pituitary gland. The hormone, Oxytocin, secreted by the gland reaches through blood to the breast, making the muscle cells around the alveolar cells contract. Thus, milk, which has collected in the alveoli, flows along the ducts to the lactiferous sinuses.

In relation to the infant

Rooting reflex guides the infant to reach the nipple and to have his mouth properly attached to the breast. A good attachment (termed “laching”) with nipple and enough of areola into infant’s mouth is essential for effective suckling. Suckling reflex helps the infant to draw out milk from mother’s breast. It consists of drawing the nipple and areola into the mouth, compressing it between jaw-togue and palate and then drawing out milk by peristaltic movement of the tongue. Swallowing reflex helps the baby to swallow milk when mouth is full of it(after one to three suckles). He takes the breath after swallowing.

It takes about a second or so for the “suckle-swallow-breathe” cycle.