Milk production and secretion: The production and discharge of milk are regulated by neuroendocrine regulation. One is prolactin (lactogen) secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, which can stimulate the mammary glands to secrete milk, and sucking can promote milk secretion; the other hormone is oxytocin secreted by the posterior pituitary gland, which can stimulate the contraction of the muscle cells around the alveoli and mammary ducts, resulting in milk entering the large ducts and sinuses of the mammary gland so that the baby can suck out.
The two hormones interact with each other, with low lactation related to prolactin and low lactation related to oxytocin. If lactation is normal and there is no lactation, the milk stays in the glandular vesicles, which in turn affects lactation through feedback, resulting in less lactation.
Lactation and discharge can be inhibited by physiological stimuli, mental, disease, medications, and lactation pregnancy. Especially emotional stimulation, if a lactating mother is nervous, anxious or depressed, lactation and lactation will be inhibited.
Early initiation and diligent breastfeeding can also increase the blood concentration of two hormones, so breastfeeding on demand is an important way to ensure the quantity of milk. The nutritional composition of milk at each stage: Colostrum: The milk secreted within 7 days after delivery is called colostrum. The amount of colostrum is small, sticky and yellowish in color. Compared to mature milk, colostrum has a lower fat and sugar content, which is suitable for digestion and absorption by newborns within 10 days after birth. Yellow colostrum is also rich in protein and vitamin A (β-carotene), which can enhance the infant’s ability to fight infection. The growth factors in colostrum promote the development of the infant’s immature intestinal tract, prepare it for the absorption of mature milk, and help prevent allergic reactions and intolerance to certain foods, i.e., reduce allergies. Colostrum also has a light diarrheal effect, which facilitates the discharge of meconium, reduces the bilirubin content, and reduces neonatal jaundice. Transitional milk: the milk produced 7-14 days after delivery. At this stage, the protein in milk gradually decreases and the fat content gradually increases. Mature milk: milk secreted after 14 days after delivery. It is white in color and contains 2-3% protein, 4% fat, 8-9% lactose, 0.4-0.5% inorganic salts, vitamins, etc. Breastfeeding terminology: Exclusive breastfeeding: No other food and drink, including water, is given to the child except for breast milk (except for medication, vitamin and mineral drops, and expressed breast milk is also allowed). Mother and baby in the same room: Mother and baby in the same room 24 hours a day, medical and other operations do not separate mother and baby for more than one hour a day. Breastfeeding on demand: breastfeeding as needed, no prescribed frequency or duration. (The mother breastfeeds whenever she feels distended and when the baby cries.) Early suckling: It means to start suckling at the mother’s breast within 30 minutes after birth. Early contact: In normal vaginal delivery, the baby should be routinely and thoroughly cleared of respiratory secretions after delivery, immediately dried the amniotic fluid all over the body, kept warm, and after the umbilical cord is broken, the baby is placed naked on the mother’s chest (so that each wall of the baby’s trunk and limbs is in direct contact with the skin on the mother’s chest), and the mother wraps her arms around the baby and covers it with a towel or quilt; the head of the delivery bed is raised to an angle of 30 degrees, and after about 10 minute stitches of contact, the baby has a feeding reflex When the baby has a feeding reflex, the mother will help him/her to contain the baby and start feeding 2 hours after the delivery and return to the baby-friendly area. For infants born by caesarean section, early contact with the mother on the operating table is not recommended. After the umbilical cord is severed, the infant can be dressed and placed on a crib in the operating room with the mother’s face and hand, and then returned to the baby-friendly zone with the mother after surgery. The mother holds the baby in her hand and touches the baby for 30 minutes, and helps to contain the baby when there is a feeding reflex.