Introduction: The size of the breasts is not the factor that determines how much milk is produced. During pregnancy, the breasts become bigger because the mammary glands are developing, but the number and state of the mammary glands is the key factor to determine whether the mother has enough milk. What are the mammary glands and how is milk produced? The lactation system of the breast looks like a big tree. Milk is produced and stored in the lobules of the breast and is exported through the milk ducts to the sinuses, which are located under the areola and are where the milk is stored. There are many openings in the nipple for the milk ducts, and when you squeeze the nipple during a milk rise, you will find milk ejecting from several small openings. (The only way to drain milk better is to squeeze the sinuses, so the baby must hold the areola) 1. How milk is produced The role of hormones When a baby sucks on the nipple, stimulation is transmitted to the pituitary gland and hormones called prolactin and oxytocin are produced. Lactogen conveys the command to turn blood into breast milk, and oxytocin acts as an incentive for the discharge of breast milk that accumulates in the milk ducts. The mechanism of breast milk production The glandular vesicles are composed of a large number of glandular cells. Breastmilk is produced in the glandular cells and is then secreted into the glandular vesicles. Breastmilk is excreted through the milk ducts. The myoepithelial cells around the glandular vesicles contract like a pump to expel breast milk. 2.Difference between foremilk and hindmilk Worried that the milk is too thin for your baby to eat? When the baby first starts sucking, the foremilk is thin, a bit like skim milk. As the baby’s sucking time and strength increases, it promotes the secretion of oxytocin from the mother’s brain, a hormone that stimulates the mammary tissue to express more milk and extra fat, which is hind milk. Hind milk is high in fat and protein, very nutritious, and is the milk that is used exclusively for the baby’s growth. As long as the mother has enough milk, the baby can take in both the front and back milk, so you don’t have to worry about your baby not getting enough! Breast swelling and pain while breastfeeding is normal When the hind milk enters the sinus from the breast, many mothers will feel a tingling sensation in their breasts. This swelling or tingling sensation usually lasts for 30-60 seconds, or even longer in some cases, and the sensation will occur several times during one feeding. Generally this reaction indicates that the baby is eating the hind milk, which is very nutritious. 3. The composition of breast milk Breast milk has many benefits, one of which is that it contains a balanced amount of nutrients. Its main components include fat, lactose and protein. At different times, the ratio of these components is automatically adjusted to suit the growing needs of the baby. Lactose is the source of energy and accounts for the largest proportion of breast milk Protein is absorbed by the baby’s body and broken down into amino acids, which are the source of muscle formation; it contains important immune proteins Fat is an important component for the baby’s brain development and maintenance of body structure [Colostrum] breast milk secreted until about the 5th day after delivery contains a large amount of immune proteins, and colostrum is yellow in color. Mature milk] Breastmilk secreted after 10 days after delivery has a lower protein content and a higher lactose and fat content compared to colostrum, so it has more calories. At this time, breast milk is milky white. 4.Factors affecting the amount of milk The number of times the baby sucks Although the number and state of the mammary glands determine the adequacy of milk, the baby’s demand after delivery also affects the secretion of milk. For example, the more the baby sucks, the more milk will be secreted. Therefore, many childcare experts advocate to start breastfeeding as early as possible after delivery. Even if the mother has just given birth and her milk is very little, she should let her baby suck on her nipples frequently to stimulate her mammary glands to secrete milk. The frequency of breastfeeding is more helpful than the duration of each feeding. The mother’s mood can also affect milk production. Therefore, during breastfeeding, it is best to keep a happy mood and avoid negative emotions such as depression and anger.