Mother’s Milk – How Is It Produced?

Pregnant women tend to notice changes in the appearance and sensitivity of their breasts quickly. However, many of them are unaware of the physiological process that results in breast milk, and more specifically its production.

In our today’s article, we will try to familiarize you with the anatomical structure and physiology of the female breast and the transformation that produces breast milk .

Mother’s milk – anatomical structure and physiology of the female breast

To understand how breast milk is produced, you first need to understand well the structure and functions of a woman’s breast. Contrary to appearances, they are organs of quite complex structure. They mainly consist of fat and connective tissue. Their main function is to protect the mammary glands and stimulate milk production.

Mother’s milk is produced by glands in small groups of cells called follicles. After production, the finished fluid moves to the nipple through the milk ducts. The milk ducts are located behind the nipple that surrounds the nipple and stores the mother’s milk temporarily.

How is breast milk produced?

Sucking on the breasts by slavery stimulates the nerve endings located on the nipple and its areola. This also sends a signal to the brain. Its goal is to start the production of two key hormones for the entire process called prolactin and oxytocin.

• Prolactin causes the follicles to absorb protein, sugar and other nutrients from the bloodstream. This combination will form the basis upon which the nutritional qualities of breast milk are based.

• Oxytocin makes it possible to exert pressure on individual follicles and excretion of milk into the milk canal, and then to the nipples.

When babies are cuddled against the mother’s breast, movements of their tongue and jaws put pressure on the nipple. As a result, the mother’s milk flows from the inside of the breast to the nipple, which has up to 20 small holes through which the liquid passes into the baby’s mouth.

Changes in a woman’s breasts during pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman will no doubt notice that her breasts get bigger. In addition, the nipples and the nipples themselves swell and noticeably darken. All of this helps the baby to suckle and improves its ‘catchability’ of the nipple, giving the baby peace and comfort while feeding.

Additionally, the nipple also has small lumps called Montgomery glands (Latin glandulae aberrantes lactiferi ) that can be felt under the fingers during pregnancy.

These glands form a natural oil whose function is to constantly clean, lubricate and protect the nipples while the woman is breastfeeding her baby. This prevents cracking, injuries and other injuries caused by the skin surface drying out and the child being sucked hard.

Finally, remember to regularly clean your breasts. You should use bath lotion or other products designed for breastfeeding women. Conventional soaps and cosmetics can negatively affect the structure of the breast. They can also remove the protective oil from the skin and irritate the mucosa of the baby’s mouth.

Changes in breast milk production: causes and symptoms

Many women experience different kinds of discomfort associated with changes in their breasts when producing milk during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. These symptoms and complaints may be minor, such as pain while breastfeeding, and changes in the texture of the breasts or the taste of the milk.

They can also be more severe, such as having breast pain all the time, not just while breastfeeding.

However, it is worth remembering that there is no reason why a healthy baby would reject breast milk. Even if you feel pain while feeding. Therefore, it is extremely important to contact your doctor about any changes in your child’s behavior.

In some cases, a woman’s body may stop producing breast milk in the first few days after giving birth. There are also some metabolic disorders that can inhibit the proper development of the milk ducts.

These phenomena constitute an argument for the need to seek constant medical advice during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Common problems that can disturb the breastfeeding process

The most common causes of problems while breastfeeding a baby are as follows:

• Fatigue, exhaustion or increased stress levels
• Feeling bad or constantly fluctuating, depressed or feeling irritated all the time.
• Constant changes in feelings: fear, shame, anger, resentment, irritation, etc.
• Incorrect feeding techniques or positions (which make it difficult for your baby to suckle).

• Breastfeeding ineffective (insufficient time, long periods without breastfeeding, etc.).
• Adverse environmental conditions: domestic conflicts, stressful location, tight schedules, etc.
• Concerns or misconceptions about breastfeeding, such as fear of pain while feeding or being rejected by your partner.
• Noticeable swelling of the breasts (typical in the first days of breastfeeding), making the mother anxious.

So the family must work together to keep the pregnancy healthy. For this purpose, it is worth providing a pregnant woman during this period with at least basic nursing care to alleviate her everyday problems. The same applies to the first months after birth, when the proper development of the baby is the most important issue for everyone.

Talk to your doctor for more information on breast milk production and recommendations for healthy breastfeeding.