How is milk produced in a mother’s body? Click here for details

At the beginning of pregnancy, the hormones estrogen and progesterone increase in the body, which prepare the breasts for milk production. In the last months of pregnancy, the hormone prolactin increases, which helps initiate milk production.

New Delhi: The first milk produced after delivery is called colostrum. While some women may experience delays in producing milk after delivery, others may experience it on time.

According to experts, milk production in a woman's body depends on factors such as the delivery itself and the mother's health.

When a mother gives birth, a remarkable chemical process occurs in her body, which triggers the production of milk to provide adequate nutrition to the baby. This is considered nature's best combination because the mother's body is the first to understand her baby's needs.

In fact, it is not just a process but the first deep bond formed between mother and child, encompassing love, touch, and safety. It's important to understand how milk is produced in a mother's body and what factors can affect milk supply.

This is not only important for information but also for pregnant women to be mentally prepared.

What is 'colostrum' and why is it so important for the baby?

Dr Hina Shaikh, gynecologist and obstetrician at Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Mumbai, told Aajtak.in, "The first milk produced in the breasts within a few hours or days of delivery is called colostrum. This milk is thick, golden, and rich in nutrients."

"It contains proteins, vitamins, minerals, immunoglobulin A (antibodies), lactoferrin (a protein that helps prevent infection), leukocytes (white blood cells), and epidermal growth factor (a protein that promotes cell growth), which help build your baby's immunity. This milk is called the baby's primary vaccine because it contains antibodies that help protect the newborn from early infections."

"This process isn't just called milk release; it's a combination of many hormones, glands, nerves, and signals. Therefore, the baby needs to be fed colostrum initially to stimulate the production of mature milk. Colostrum transforms into breast milk within 2 to 4 days of the baby's birth."

How does the process of milk production begin in the mother's body immediately after delivery?

Dr Hina Sheikh explained, "After delivery, we hand the baby over to the mother, and this is called kangaroo mother care, or skin-to-skin contact. Then, when the baby licks or stimulates the nipples, a hormone called prolactin is released in the nerves. Following the release of prolactin, oxytocin is released. These two hormones, prolactin and oxytocin, trigger milk production in the body."

"The initial milk (colostrum) is a very thick liquid that is essential for the baby. Mature milk takes 3 to 5 days to develop. Basically, hormones are released due to the baby's stimulation, and these hormones trigger milk production."

Understand the milk production process this way:
At the beginning of pregnancy, the hormones estrogen and progesterone increase in the body, which prepare the breasts for milk production.
In the last months of pregnancy, the hormone prolactin increases, which helps initiate milk production.

Tiny milk-producing sacs (alveoli) form inside the breast, and their number increases during pregnancy.

Each alveolus contains secretory cells that produce milk proteins, fats, lactose, and antibodies.
After the baby is born, when it drinks the mother's milk, a signal is sent to the brain through the nerves in the nipple.

The brain releases the hormone oxytocin, which helps milk flow through the ducts. This is called the let-down reflex.

According to the WHO, exclusive breast milk should be given for the first six months after birth.
As the baby begins to eat solid food, the demand for milk decreases, and the body gradually stops producing milk.

How long does it generally take for milk to be produced after a normal delivery and a C-section?
Dr Hina says, "There is a slight difference in milk production between normal deliveries and C-sections. Women who have normal deliveries experience milk production sooner, while those who have a C-section take a little longer. This is because after a C-section, the mother remains stitched, and recovery takes time, making feeding the baby difficult during the initial first days."

So, basically, skin-to-skin contact is important when a baby is delayed. As we mentioned earlier, skin-to-skin contact releases hormones, and the sooner we have skin-to-skin contact, the sooner milk production will increase. We should try to ensure skin-to-skin contact with the baby after delivery.

But if the mother has stitches, skin-to-skin contact with the baby is delayed, which causes a delay in milk production. Mature milk starts coming in both at the same time. Even if the woman is lying down, the nurse or relative should take the baby and provide some skin-to-skin feeding contact so that there is no delay in milk production.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, after a normal delivery, most mothers have a normal baby.