Breast Is Best for Babies

The advantages of breastfeeding are many and have been well documented in the literature. Breastfeeding is universally accepted as the optimal method of infant feeding for the first year of life and thereafter as long as is beneficial to the mother-infant dyad. Studies have shown that benefits increase with the duration and exclusivity of breastfeeding up to six months. As such, the medical profession’s obligation in the promotion of breastfeeding is clear and unequivocal. Healthcare professionals who deal with lactating mothers must familiarize themselves with various aspects of breastfeeding and be well versed in the handling of potential problems associated with breastfeeding.

PHYSIOLOGY OF LACTATION

The first half of pregnancy is characterized by growth and proliferation of the ductal system, arborization of the alveolar structure and formation of lobules. Prolactin, which is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, stimulates the secretory cells in the alveoli to secrete milk. Lactation during pregnancy is inhibited by high levels of estrogen and progesterone, which inhibit the release of prolactin and interfere with the action of prolactin at the alveolar cell receptor level. As the estrogen and progesterone decline abruptly in the postpartum period, the anterior pituitary gland releases very large amounts of prolactin, which stimulates the alveoli to produce significant amounts of milk. The most important factor in an ongoing release of prolactin is nipple stimulation from suckling. In response to suckling, oxytocin is released by the posterior pituitary gland. Oxytocin causes the myoepithelial cells surrounding the alveoli to contract and propel milk to the milk sinuses in the areolar area. This milk ejection (let-down reflex) is usually described as a tingling sensation. cialis super active online

Endocrine control is supplanted by autocrine control as the mother’s baseline levels of prolactin return to more normal levels at about three months postpartum. At this time, it is the removal of milk (in particular, a feedback inhibitor of lactation in the milk) from the breast that maintains the supply of milk. The more the mother empties her breast, the more milk is produced.

Category: Health

Tags: advantages I promote, breastfeeding, support