Lactation

• Mammary Gland

  • Functional unit of the mammary gland: Alveoli
  • Myoepithelial cells (Surround the secretory cell): Contract, cause Milk Ejection
  • Sebaceous gland: Produce oil to lubricate the nipple & areola
• Hormonal control of Lactation

  • Oxytocin (Let down reflex)

  Stimulate milk release from breast

  Released in response to: Suckling (Primary), Hearing a baby cry, Thinking about nursing

  • Prolactin: Stimulation milk production
• Human milk composition: 86 - 88% water
• Probiotics

  • Contains a diverse microbial community
• Mammary stem cells

  • Help establish organs: Liver, Kidney, Pancreas, Brain
  • Form function Liver cells, Pancreatic cells, Neurons, Glial cells in animal cells
• Composition changeable over a single feeding

  i) Foremilk

  • Thin, Watery, Low fat

  ii) Hindmilk

  • Thick, Creamy, High fat
• Optimal Breastfeeding Duration

  1. Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months; continued breastfeeding for at least 1 year
  2. Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months; continued breastfeeding along w/ complementary foods up to 2 years or longer
• Breast implant

  • CAN breastfeed
  • NO evidence of direct toxicity to infant
  • Periareolar incision: More difficult b/c potential damage to ductal system
• Breast reduction

  • At risk of unsuccessful lactation
  • Depend on:

  • Amount of breast tissue removed

  • Damage to remaining tissue

  • Location of incision