Question

What do you understand by the period of lactation?

Answer 1

Hint: The development of mammary function occurs during pregnancy. The mammary ducts proliferate in the first half of pregnancy and they group together to form large lobules. The secretory function increases, so that the alveoli become distended by accumulating colostrum during the second half of pregnancy. Lactation occurs even if the pregnancy does not progress and once the initial 16 weeks of pregnancy is crossed.

Complete answer:
- The secretion of milk from mammary glands and the period of time during which a mother lactates to feed her young with the help of the hormone prolactin is known as Lactation.
- Lactogenesis is the ability of the mammary glands to secrete milk after pregnancy.
- During this time, the mammary glands increase in size and fat droplets accumulate in the secretory cells.
- Until eight days postpartum, the milk goes through a maturation process to match the infant's needs.
- The inhibiting influence of progesterone in placenta delays lactation.
- The prolactin levels rise and fall and it is directly proportional to the intensity, frequency and duration of nipple stimulation from the infant's suckling.
- Oxytocin is a hormone that causes the milk ejection reflex to occur and causes continued milk production.
- The milk secreted from the mammary glands during the initial days of lactation is referred to as the colostrum.
- When compared to mature milk, the colostrum is thick and creamy yellow in colour.
- It contains several immunoglobulins and nutrients such as calcium, fats and lactose for the baby.
- It also provides passive immunity to the baby.

Note: Human milk is rich in proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, hormones, enzymes, vitamins, minerals, growth factors and other types of protective agents. It mainly contains about 10 percent of solids for energy and growth and the remaining is water, which is essential for hydration. The infants digest breast milk very rapidly and hence do not get constipated.