Skip to main content
Back

Breastfeeding definitions

Control buttons has been changed to "navigation" mode.
1/15
  • Lactation
    Process involving hormonal control for producing and releasing milk to nourish infants, primarily regulated by prolactin and oxytocin.
  • Prolactin
    Hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that stimulates the synthesis of milk in mammary glands after childbirth.
  • Oxytocin
    Hormone released by the pituitary gland that triggers the letdown response, causing milk ejection from the breast.
  • Letdown Response
    Reflex initiated by oxytocin, causing milk to be released from the mammary glands in response to infant suckling.
  • Colostrum
    Thick, yellowish initial milk produced in early days postpartum, rich in antibodies and micronutrients for newborn immunity.
  • Foremilk
    Watery, lower-fat portion of breast milk delivered at the start of a feeding session, primarily quenching infant thirst.
  • Hindmilk
    Creamier, higher-fat portion of breast milk delivered later in a feeding session, providing energy and satiety for the infant.
  • Bioavailability
    Degree to which nutrients in breast milk are absorbed and utilized by the infant, surpassing that of infant formula.
  • Antibodies
    Immune proteins present in breast milk that help protect infants from infections, diseases, and allergies.
  • Infant Formula
    Commercially prepared substitute for breast milk, designed to meet basic nutritional needs but lacking dynamic adaptation and immune factors.
  • Hypothalamus
    Brain region acting as a control center, initiating hormonal signals for milk production and release in response to suckling.
  • Pituitary Gland
    Endocrine gland stimulated by the hypothalamus to secrete prolactin and oxytocin during breastfeeding.
  • Macronutrients
    Nutrients required in large amounts—carbohydrates, proteins, and fats—essential for milk production and infant growth.
  • Micronutrients
    Vitamins and minerals needed in small quantities, crucial for maternal health and optimal breast milk composition.
  • Menstruation Suppression
    Temporary halt of menstrual cycles postpartum, reducing maternal iron loss and lowering iron requirements during breastfeeding.