Production of Human Milk

Milk-producing lobules are made in breast of women during pregnancy and hormones cause these changes from the placenta. And after the birth of child, more hormones are produced and they keep a level of changes in the breast. Milk producing ability is also increased and the weight of breast is increased about 1 to 2 pounds.

The hormones that are produced also stimulate the synthesis of milk. Prolactin release is also stimulated by process of suckling. More amount of milk will be produced as more infants are suckled. The process of milk production is related with demand of infants. These facts also cause twins birth because milk production is driven by the demand.

The tissues present in breast cause milk proteins to be synthesized. A little amount of proteins is also included in the milk by the blood stream of women. Some immune factors and enzymes are also present in these proteins. Milk also includes some fats that come from tissues of breast and diet of mother. The milk also contains of some glucose that are provided by the blood stream of mother. Lactose that is the main carbohydrate, are formed by the sugar synthesized in the breast

Let-Down Reflex
There is a connection of brain and breast called milk ejection reflex and it is very important for feeding of breast. The hormones that are released by the brain and are called oxytocin, act as releasing the milk from storage parts.

This hormone travels through the nipple area and before the flow of milk starts, the let-down reflex is signaled by some sensations. And if it failed to do so, some little milk will also be available for the child. But that situation may cause some frustration for both mother and the child. The mother should be patient in such kind of situation.

This reflex is also caused by the nervous tension or low level of confidence. The connection of tension and the let-down reflex should be known to mother. The atmosphere should be comfortable for mother to breastfeed.

After the passage of some time, this reflex will become automatic. If mother just think of her child or look at the other one, the let-down reflex can be started. As the mother is unable to estimate the amount of milk the child feeds, she sometimes gets frustrated that she is not giving the infant adequate amount of milk.

Nutritional Qualities of Human Milk

There is a big difference of human milk and cow’s milk. You should not give cow’s milk to the infant unless he reaches to an age of 1 year because there is a high amount of minerals and vitamins in this milk and it also does not contain the carbohydrates that are necessary for the infant and it can also cause diabetes in infants. Also such proteins are difficult to digest for an infant. There are a lot of other compounds in human milk that are beneficial for the infants like visionary power and development of nervous system. The factors like omega 3 fatty acids are not present in cow’s milk and other formulas of infant but they are likely to be included in future times.