Lactation

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

(Redirected from Milk let-down reflex)

Lactation refers to the process by which mammals produce milk from the mammary glands to feed their young. This process is regulated by the hormones prolactin and oxytocin.

Physiology of Lactation[edit | edit source]

Lactation involves several stages, including the generation of colostrum during pregnancy, the initiation of milk production after birth, and the maintenance of milk production for as long as the young is nursing.

Colostrum[edit | edit source]

Colostrum is the first form of milk produced by the mammary glands. It is rich in antibodies and helps to protect the newborn against disease.

Initiation of Milk Production[edit | edit source]

The initiation of milk production is triggered by the drop in progesterone levels following birth. This allows prolactin to stimulate the mammary glands to produce milk.

Maintenance of Milk Production[edit | edit source]

The maintenance of milk production is regulated by the hormone oxytocin, which stimulates the release of milk from the mammary glands in response to the baby's suckling.

Role of Hormones in Lactation[edit | edit source]

The hormones prolactin and oxytocin play key roles in lactation. Prolactin stimulates the mammary glands to produce milk, while oxytocin triggers the release of milk.

Lactation in Humans[edit | edit source]

In humans, lactation typically begins during pregnancy and continues for as long as the baby is nursing. The milk produced by humans is specifically tailored to meet the nutritional needs of human infants.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Lactation Resources
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD