Breastfeeding is one your baby's first pleasant experiences. The baby's first love for his mother arises primarily from the feeding situation. At feeding time, the baby receives physical nourishment from mother's milk and emotional nourishment from his parent's love. The food, correctly taken, helps him grow healthy and strong. The parent's love, generously given, helps him to feel secure and trusting. To help your baby get both kinds of nourishment, feed your baby in a comfortable place. This will help you feel calm and relaxed through the feeding. Enjoy the closeness that feeding time allows by touching and talking to your baby. Have your baby's father close by so he can feel part of it too.
The "Mechanics" of Breastfeeding (How it works!)
Lactogenesis is the process of milk production. It actually begins in mid-pregnancy and continues as long as lactation (the process of milk secretion) is allowed. Lactation will continue as long as milk is removed from the breast regularly and at frequent intervals. All mammals have mammary glands although the location and size varies between species, however the process of milk production and secretion is virtually the same in all mammals. A human mother can provide milk for her infant that mirrors his needs, just as other mammals do. Physiologically, breastfeeding is a complex process that involves hormones and special structures within the breast. However, the act of breastfeeding is not complex or difficult to understand or do. Think of breastfeeding as nature's perfect example of the law of supply and demand. When there is demand, the body (in most cases) will supply it.
To understand this process, it is necessary to know the basic structure and function of the lactating breast. The breast is comprised of many lobules or alveoli, where milk is produced and stored. The lactiferous ducts, about 15-25 per breast drain the milk from the lobules into the lactiferous sinuses behind the areola (the pink to dark brown colored area surrounding the nipple). The nipple acts as a milk reservoir as the baby suckles it. The baby does not actually suck the nipple, but instead uses a stripping or rolling motion on the nipple and areola with his tongue. The hormone, oxytocin, causes the milk-ejection reflex (let-down) which further aids in the removal of the milk from the breast. This milk-ejection reflex feels tingly and some women report momentary discomfort as the tiny muscles spring into action. The milk can forcefully spray from the nipple in several different streams during the letdown. In addition to oxytocin, the hormone, prolactin, along with the frequent suckling from the infant, is responsible for milk production.
At the end of pregnancy, many mothers-to-be notice leaking a thick yellow sticky substance leaking from the breasts. This is colostrum, the baby's first food, which is high in calories, protein and infection fighting components. After the first 2 to 4 days postpartum, colostrum transitions into mature milk. This is known as "coming in". Your mature milk changes in composition from feeding to feeding and day to day, but it always matches the needs of your baby.
