Most of the general public today, including many women, are unaware of the mechanisms behind breastfeeding. Almost everyone thinks that breastfeeding comes naturally and occurs to every pregnant lady. The fact, however, is that the breasts of every woman behave differently when it comes to pregnancy and breastfeeding. Milk production in the breasts or lactation is a process which is unique for every woman.
It is essential to know that many pregnant mothers are actually unable to breastfeed in the same manner as a healthy woman. It really depends on the physical fitness of the mother whether she will be able to provide ample nutrition for the baby. Which is why it is advisable for new mothers to avoid any sort of weight cutting diet. That’s necessary due to the nutrient requirement for lactation, which needs all the supplement from healthy fats to essential vitamins for making milk.
The reason why milk production has to be supplemented is because the newborn baby has only one hope for a better immunity and kick in growth of bones and muscles. Mother’s milk is without a doubt the best nutrition for a baby as it jumpstarts a baby’s bodily systems and keeps immunity from the placenta intact while the actual immune system develops its defences. Unfortunately, many babies stay deprived from this nectar that keeps them safe from diseases and slow brains. So, if you’re a mother who wants the baby to have the best nutrition, here’s what you need to know about lactation and how to supplement it for making breast milk;
Why do people lactate?Lactation is a biological phenomenon that happens in every mammal in the world. Any animal that gives birth to offspring requires a way to nourish them. Given the nature of things, mammalian offspring are unable to chew, bite, or digest solid foods for a while after being born. Human offspring have a longer period of waiting time before they can even have semi-solid or pasty foods like milk and boiled rice. Due to this, mammals need lactation to supplement the nutrition of their newborns, thus feeding them from their body by making milk.
In average women, lactation can occur for as long as 5 years after giving birth. Many babies go into their fourth year being fed from their mother’s bosom while most are fed only till they are 8-10 months old. Lactation is important especially for babies born with less than average weight due to lack of nutrition during pregnancy or have born prematurely. Mother’s milk saves the child from catching many deadly diseases and improves capability for mental and physical growth.
Where does mother’s milk come from?
Mother’s milk is formed in the mammary glands present inside the breast. In men, the mammary glands are generally dormant. The mammary glands have a number of parts for lactation in them to supplement the breasts for making milk. The different parts of the mammary glands consist of-
- Alveoli- Alveoli are small grape-like structures present in the glands that produce and store milk. These small organs take nutrition from blood vessels around them and push the milk produced to the lobules that aid in ejecting the milk out.
- Milk ducts- The lobules from the alveoli are connected to milk ducts. There are around 20 milk ducts stretching out from the alveoli which carry the milk to the nipples.
- Areola- Areolas are the dark stretch of skin surrounding the nipples. These are sensitive pads that have to be stimulated (by the baby suckling or by pumping) in order to let the brain know when to pump the alveoli and release the milk through the milk ducts.
- Nipples- The nipples have pores on them which are connected to the milk ducts. The sensitive nerves on the nipples activate the alveoli and pressure is applied and the pores release milk for the baby.
Now, we understand that breasts are a complex organ that make lactation possible. But, these glands and ducts in the breasts only work when the body chemistry is right. If the mother is physically ill or has some hormonal imbalance, it is difficult for her to make milk. With a lactation supplement like Namyaa Amritbaras Granules, the body gets into the right condition to synthesise and use nutrients from the food for making milk. To understand how the breasts work to produce milk, you must know how the hormones affect lactation.
How do hormones cause lactation?Lactation in women is caused with the hormones that kick start the process when pregnancy occurs. As a woman gets pregnant, the hormones oestrogen and progesterone peak. This sends signals to the brain to develop the milk ducts and alveoli to produce milk. This increases the number and strength of milk ducts and makes the mammary glands grow in size, causing the breasts to look fuller. When that happens, the mother’s body makes colostrum, which is a highly nutritious and filling nutrient for babies. Colostrum is the element that makes up most of the milk for the first couple of weeks after birth.
Once the baby is delivered, there is a sharp fall in the hormones oestrogen and progesterone which are on a high during the pregnancy. While the two pregnancy hormones fall, the nurturing hormone prolactin takes their place and signals the alveoli to produce high amounts of milk. This continues for the first week and the breasts become tight and sore with milk. This milk must be fed to the baby. In later stages, when the baby suckles on the breast it releases prolactin and oxytocin in the body. Prolactin urges the alveoli to make more milk as it gets sucked out, while oxytocin aids muscle contraction to squeeze out the alveoli and send milk through the milk ducts.
he baby is delivered. This happens because of underlying issues such as thyroid gland issues, PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) or increase in cortisol (stress hormone) due to postpartum stress. Herbal lactation supplements are the best choice for making milk in these cases. Which is why Namyaa Amritbaras Lactation Supplement Granules come with herbs like Shatawar (asparagus) root, Mulethi root, water chestnut fruit, and more, that create a healthy flow of hormones in the body for making quality milk.
