The Lactation Process

"Milk is made in small, sac-like glands in the breast. Hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, and lactogen tell these sacs to grow and develop. This process starts during the second trimester of pregnancy.

The human breast does not store a large amount of milk. Your breasts will make new milk with every feeding.

Suckling causes your body to release a hormone called prolactin. This hormone tells your body to make milk. It also causes the release of oxytocin, a hormone that triggers the let-down reflex. The milk moves out of the milk gland, into the milk ducts, and into the nipple.

During every feeding, your breast milk changes. - From "Breast milk - pumping and storing" - MedlinePlus/nlm.nih.gov
 * At the beginning of the feeding, the milk is bluish and contains lactose and proteins, but little fat. Such milk is called foremilk.
 * The end of the feeding produces hindmilk. The hindmilk contains more fat, the main source of energy for your baby."

"By understanding how their breasts produce milk, women can feel more confident in their ability to feed and nurture their babies by way of breastfeeding. The three " B"s of the lactation process are Breasts, Brain, and Bonding, and each are equally important to successful breastfeeding."

- From"Breastfeeding basics: the three B's of milk production"

Other Sources:

"Breast milk production" - SutterHealth.com

<p style="text-align: left;">"Making breastmilk: how your body produces nature's perfect baby food" - Babycentre.co.uk

<p style="text-align: left;">[http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/milkproduction.html "How does milk production work?" - KellyMom.com]