| Lactation | |||||
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Lactation is the process in which milk is secreted from the mammary glands in order to provide milk to a baby. It also describes the length of time that a mother continues to feed her baby this way.
Lactation occurs in almost all mothers who are pregnant and is controlled by the hormone oxytocin, which is released by the posterior pituitary gland (ultimately controlled by the hypothalamus).
- Lactation is controlled and regulated by the hormone oxytocin
- Oxytocin stimulates the nipple of the breast to produce milk from the mammary glands
Lactation is important as it has several important benefits:
- Allows the mother and child to bond
- Increases the nurturing instinct in the mother
- Enables the mother to povide passive immunity to the baby through the breast milk
- Breast milk is the best, natural souce of food for a baby
- While the mother is lactating, there is a decreased chance she will get pregnant at this time (but there still is a possibility)
Last reviewed: 14 January 2007 || Last updated: 30 September 2007
Related Articles
references
- Marieb EM, Hoehn K. Human Anatomy & Physiology. 7th edition, 2006. Benjamin Cummings Publishing
- Tortora GJ, Derrickson BH. Principles of Anatomy & Physiology. 11th edition, 2005. Wiley Publishing
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NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
