LACTATION

DEFINITION
 Lactation is the physiological process of
preparing for and maintaining production and
secretion of milk .
PHYSIOLOGY OF LACTATION
 Mammogenesis
 Lactogenesis
 Galactokinesis
 galactopoesis
MAMMOGENESIS- PREPARATION
OF THE BREAST
 Pregnancy is associated with remarkable
growth both of both ductal and lobulo
alveolar system because of the effect of
estrogen and progesterone
LACTOGENESIS- PRODUCTION
OF MILK
 Prolactin is secreted by the anterior pitutary
by the respons of sucking ( sucking send
impulses to hypothalamus prolactin release)
 Prolactin acts on the milk secreting cells of
the alveoli and stimulate milk synthesis.
 Milk secretion usually starts at the 3rd or 4th
day .
GALACTOKINESIS-MILK
EJECTION/LET DOWN REFLEX
 This causes milk to be transferred from the
secretory cells to the baby.
 It is mediated by the hormone oxytocin from
hypothalamus by the neuroendocrine
reflex ,sucking, hearing the cry and
emotional attachment.
 Oxytocin binds to specific receptors on the
myoepithelial cells of the breast causing
them to contract which expels the milk in to
ducts.
GALACTOPOESIS- MAINTANENCE
OF LACTATION
 Prolactin appears to be the single most
hormone for galactopoesis ans sucking is
essential as well.
MILK PRODUCTION
 Healthy mother produces around 500 – 800
ml of milk/day
 To improve milk production- metaclopramide
10 mg TID
 Lactation supression-bromocriptone 2.5 mg
BD