How is breast milk formed

Breast milk is the best gift for a baby who has just come into this world. The nutritional value of breast milk is relatively high. It is the best way to improve a child's immunity and promote his growth and development. Many people are very curious, how is breast milk produced? In fact, the production of breast milk is related to many factors, such as hormonal stimulation, breast milk secretion mechanism, etc., which all contribute to the production of breast milk.

How breast milk is produced

1. The role of hormones

When the baby sucks on the nipple, stimulation is transmitted to the pituitary gland and produces hormones called prolactin and oxytocin. Prolactin conveys the command to turn blood into breast milk, and oxytocin plays a role in prompting the release of breast milk accumulated in the milk ducts.

When the baby sucks on the nipple, breast milk is released. When you first start breastfeeding, it may not be smooth because both the baby and the mother are new to it. However, with repeated breastfeeding, mother and baby will gradually become proficient and cooperate with each other.

2. Breast milk secretion mechanism

The alveoli are composed of a large number of glandular cells. Breast milk is produced in the glandular cells and then secreted into the alveoli. Breast milk is discharged from the body through the milk ducts. The myoepithelial cells surrounding the alveoli contract like a pump to expel breast milk.

Composition of breast milk

Breast milk has many benefits, one of which is that it contains balanced nutrients. Its main components include fat, lactose and protein. At different stages, the proportions of these ingredients are automatically adjusted to suit the baby's growing needs. This makes breast milk the best food for your baby.

The main components of breast milk - fat, lactose and protein - have the following characteristics. Lactose is a source of energy and accounts for the largest proportion of the main components of breast milk. Fat is an important component for your baby's brain development and maintaining body structure. When protein is absorbed by the baby's body, it is broken down into amino acids and becomes a source of muscle building. It also contains important immune proteins such as lactoferrin and secretory immunoglobulins.

Other components in breast milk have the following functions: 1. Reduce the occurrence of allergies. The substances in breast milk can form a protective film on the intestinal wall and promote the development of the intestinal epidermis. This prevents allergens from entering the baby's body through the baby's undeveloped intestines, which have countless openings. 2. It helps digestion and absorption of breast milk. Breast milk contains enzymes such as lipase and amylase that aid digestion. Therefore, newborns with fragile gastrointestinal function can easily digest and absorb various nutrients in breast milk.

Breast milk is divided into two categories: colostrum and mature milk

Colostrum is breast milk secreted until about the 5th day after delivery. It is characterized by containing large amounts of immune proteins such as lactoferrin and secretory immunoglobulin (IgA). Colostrum is yellow in color because it contains beta-carotene (which is found in carrots and other vegetables).

Mature milk is breast milk secreted 10 days after delivery. Its characteristics are that compared with colostrum, it has a lower protein content and a higher lactose and fat content, so it has a higher calorie content. The breast milk at this time is milky white.

Changes in breast milk composition

The composition of breast milk varies depending on many factors, including the number of days postpartum, daily feedings, each feeding, season, and the mother's diet. Here, we will introduce how the composition of breast milk changes with the number of days after delivery and each breastfeeding.

Composition changes during a lactation

The first half of the breast milk that comes out at the beginning of each breastfeeding is called foremilk, and the second half of the breast milk that comes out is called hindmilk. During breastfeeding, the fat content, which is an important energy source for the baby's brain development and maintaining body structure, will continue to increase.