Northside Hospital - Special Beginnings

ANATOMY OF THE BREAST The breasts are delicate organs made of glandular, connective and fatty tissue. The nipple contains tiny openings through which the milk can flow. These tiny openings are surrounded by muscular tissue that causes the nipple to stand erect when stimulated. Surrounding the nipple is an area of darker skin called the areola . This area will become darker and larger in size during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. The areola contains pimple-like structures near its border that are called Montgomery glands . These glands secrete a substance that helps to lubricate and cleanse the area.

PHYSIOLOGY OF THE BREAST Stimulation of the nipple by the baby’s sucking or use of a breast pump sends a message telling the brain to produce prolactin . Prolactin stimulates milk production. This occurs after the baby is born and the placenta detaches and comes out of the birth canal. The second hormone that is released is known as oxytocin . This hormone causes the cells around the milk glands to contract. This contraction squeezes the milk down through the milk ducts and out of the nipples. The milk pools behind the nipple and beneath the areola. This response is known as let down or milk ejection reflex. Sensations of let-down that you may notice: • Tingling sensation • Warm upper body sensation • Feeling your breasts become full It may take a minute to several minutes of sucking by the baby or pumping until the milk ejection reflex occurs. Some mothers only know that their milk has let-down by seeing milk spraying more than dripping.

Milk Producing Cells

Milk Ducts

Nipple

The sensations commonly associated with let-down may not be felt until your milk is in greater supply.

Areola

Fatty Tissue

If the milk is not removed from your breast routinely, your body will decrease production of breast milk. Eventually, your body will stop producing milk.

STAGES OF MILK PRODUCTION By 16 weeks of pregnancy, your breasts are fully capable of producing milk. Some women will notice drops of fluid on the nipple during these early months. This fluid, known as colostrum , is the “first milk.” It is what the baby will receive until your higher volume milk is produced.

SCAN + PLAY

Colostrum

Transitional

Mature

Thin and white in appearance. Composition is approaching mature milk .

Thick, yellow-colored milk, high in protein, antibodies and some vitamins and minerals.

More watery appearance, slight bluish in color as the feeding begins and becoming white by the end of a feeding as the fat content increases.

22 Special Beginnings in the Special Care Nurseries