Dec 4, 2008

Encyclopedia of Children's Health | Lactation

Definition

Lactation refers to the formation of milk in the breasts during the period following childbirth. Breastfeeding is the process of the infant obtaining milk by suckling at the breast.

Description

Although breast development begins around puberty, development of mammary function is only completed in pregnancy. During the first half of pregnancy the mammary ducts proliferate and group together to form large lobules. During the second half of pregnancy, secretory activity increases and the alveoli become distended by accumulating colostrum. After 16...

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