Lactation

Birth

Lactation

A: The baby’s suckling sends nerve impulses to the brain. B: As a result, the hormone prolactin is released into the bloodstream. C: Prolactin stimulates the breasts to secrete milk.

Immediately after birth, the mother's breasts produce a watery fluid called colostrum which seems to have some immunizing effect on the baby. About three days later, this fluid is replaced by milk. The production of milk is called lactation (from Latin lac: milk). The baby’s suckling stimulates the release of the hormone prolactin which, in turn, induces the breasts to secrete their milk. Mothers who nurse their children are able to do so for many months. Most women stop ovulating (and therefore menstruating) during the first few months because of certain hormonal changes in the body. Obviously, this also means that, in the same period, no new conception can take place. However, couples should not count on this natural protection." Nursing a baby is no substitute for contraception. It is quite normal for a woman to become sexually aroused while she has her child suckling on her breast. There is no reason whatsoever to become upset or alarmed about this. On the contrary, the experience should be enjoyed as it serves important physiological and psychological functions.

[Course 2] [Description] [How to use it] [Introduction] [Conception] [Pregnancy] [Birth] [Historical Notes] [Modern Childbirth] [Labor and Delivery] [After Delivery] [Lactation] [Sexual Intercourse] [Infertility] [Contraception] [Abortion] [Additional Reading] [Examination]