Content Writer-SME
The process of secretion of milk from the mammary glands is called lactation. Mammary glands are exocrine glands that are specialized organs located in the fatty tissue of the breasts in females that function in the production of milk. Oxytocin and Prolactin are the major hormones that are released during lactation.
- Breastfeeding is the primary reason of lactation in mammals. Once the body stops producing milk, the process of lactation is also stopped.
- During pregnancy the glands start making all the necessary preparations for milk secretion.
- The actual process of release of milk from the mammary glands starts immediately after parturition.
What is Lactation?
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Lactation is the process in which females produce milk for feeding their newborns. It is said that the female starts producing milk when the mother is in her fifth or sixth month of pregnancy. When a females are their in the first stage of lactation, the breasts start secreting a thick, yellow liquid called colustrum. After successful delivery, the levels of estrogen, progesterone hormones decrease, which ultimately results in cessation of secretion of prolactin hormone.
- Colustrum is the first milk released by the mammary glands of mammals and rich in fats, vitamins, and antibodies.
- Antibodies and antioxidants present in the colustrum is beneficial for the development of the baby’s immune system.
- The combination of hormones which results in the change in the body size, triggers the process of lactation in mammals.
Process of Lactation
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It is said that the female starts producing milk in her fifth or sixth month of pregnancy, this is the first phase in the process of lactation. In the first stage of lactogenesis, hormones like estrogen and progesterone levels increase which leads to an increase in the number and size of milk ducts.
- Bodily changes like an increase in areolas size and darkening of the nipples take place.
- The levels of estrogen and progesterone decrease after the delivery of the child.
- During this stage, the prolactin hormone is the major hormone responsible for producing milk.
Lactation Hormones
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Several lactation hormones come into action such as oxytocin, estrogen, placental lactogenic, progesterone, and prolactin.
- Estrogen: The secretion of the estrogen hormone causes an increase in the size of the breast.
- Placental lactogenic: It is also called human chorionic somatomammotropin that functions in a similar way as the growth hormone. This hormone is mainly responsible for regulating the growth of nipples.
- Progesterone: The progesterone hormone is responsible for maintaining required production of milk. Levels of progesterone drop down after pregnancy.
- Prolactin: Prolactin also called pregnancy hormone, sends signals to alveoli to produce milk.
- Oxytocin: The hormone responsible for the contraction of alveoli is oxytocin. This helps the milk to come out of the duct system.
Lactational Amenorrhea
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The temporary method of birth control which marks the absence of menstruation in women is called lactational amenorrhea. The absence of menstrual cycle marks the beginning of pregnancy in women. This cycle usually starts again 4-6 weeks after childbirth, but this time period varies from person to person.
- The pregnancy hormone, prolactin is responsible for decreasing the secretion of leutinizing hormones in lactating mother.
- Thus, ovulation is stopped by the action of prolacting hormone.
- Also, the chances of conception (pregnancy) is very less during the time of breastfeeding.
Lactation Without Pregnancy
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Lactation in women without pregnancy is possible by inducing drugs that mimic the hormones responsible for producing milk. These drugs are consumed for several months. Mentioned below are some other reasons why a woman can lactate without pregnancy:
- Hormonal Imbalance
- Health problems
- Side-effects of medicines
- Excessive production of prolactin
- Irritation of nerve in the breast area
Things to Remember
- Lactation is the process of milk secretion from the mammary glands.
- The stage at which milk production is maintained is called Galactopoises.
- Prolactin is the hormone that helps to regulate milk production and develop breasts.
- Estrogen and progesterone levels decrease in the second stage of lactogenesis.
- The first milk that the female body produces is known as colustrum.
Sample Questions
Ques. What precautions should be taken while breastfeeding? (3 marks)
Ans. The following precautions must be taken while breastfeeding:
- There should be no consumption of caffeine during this period.
- Quitting smoking and alcohol will protect the newborn from any disease
- No such consumption of supplements should be entertained.
- There should not be any consumption of spicy food as it may affect the taste of the breast milk
Ques. What are the ways to stop lactation? (2 marks)
Ans. There are two types of ways by which one can stop lactation. It can either be stopped naturally or by the use of drugs.
- Pumps are used to naturally suppress the production of milk.
- Lactation-suppressing drugs can be used under the supervision of a doctor.
Ques. Name the condition when a female stops menstruating during lactation. (2 marks)
Ans. Lactation amenorrhea is a condition when a female stops her menstruation.
- During lactation, the prolactin hormone is released which suppresses the production of luteinizing hormone (LH).
- This hormone is responsible for stimulating the release of egg at the time of ovulation.
Ques. What components is the mothers milk composed of? (1 mark)
Ans. The mother's milk is composed of protein, fats, antioxidants, micronutrients, vitamins, and carbohydrates.
Ques. Differentiate between colostrum and cow milk in terms of nutrient composition. (3 marks)
Ans. The table below shows the difference between cow milk and colostrum in terms of nutrient composition:
| Nutrients | Colostrum | Cow’s Milk |
|---|---|---|
| Energy (kcal) | 69 | 67 |
| Protein (g) | 10 | 3.3 |
| Fat (g) | 2.6 | 3.8 |
| Lactose (g) | 5.3 | 4.8 |
| Carbohydrates (g) | 6.6 | 4.8 |
| Iron (g) | 0.1 | 0.05 |
Ques. What are mammary glands, and where are they located? (2 marks)
Ans. Mammary glands are the organs present both in males and females.
- They are found in the chest and are made up of glandular tissue, connective tissue, and fat.
- In females, the number of glandular tissue is greater, and alveoli are present which is responsible for producing milk.
Ques. What are the factors that affect lactation? (1 mark)
Ans. There are various factors that affect lactation:
- Hormonal imbalance.
- HIV infection
- Certain medications
- Alcohol and drug consumption
- Radiotherapies
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