What is Lactation?
The short version: lactation is the process of producing and releasing human milk.
The long version: a lot happens as it is a very involved process! The good news is your body does most of the work naturally. However, knowing how it works and what's in breastmilk can help you optimize your baby feeding journey.
Read on below for the extended version!
Lactation is the process of producing milk in the mammary tissue for feeding young. All mammals lactate to feed their young, including humans. Each species produces milk with the specific nutritional makeup their young require to thrive. Human milk has particular nutrients and composition to meet the growing needs of a developing human child including brain development, vital organ function, immune system development, and beyond.
"Breastfeeding provides unmatched health benefits for babies and mothers. It is the clinical gold standard for infant feeding and nutrition, with breast milk uniquely tailored to meet the health needs of a growing baby. We must do more to create supportive and safe environments for mothers who choose to breastfeed."
In so many ways lactation seems like it must be a simple process, but it is complex and involved. Many times it just happens and everything just works, which is exactly what we all hope for! Just as often that complex process requires support. Sometimes it is just a little bit of support, other times an extreme and intense ongoing level of support but most of the time the support needed is somewhere in between. Partners, family, friends, healthcare providers, lactation and parenting specific support groups, and even your employer may be a part of your baby feeding support circle.
Something can be natural but not come naturally, there can be
with lactation and every journey is unique.
Click here for our Lactation Plan Template
