As you learn more about breastfeeding, you may come across some unfamiliar terms. We have compiled a list of some useful definitions of terms that you may often come across when learning about breastfeeding.
Release (the reflex of milk coming out of the breast) – Let it flow! This is the process by which the brain tells the body to produce breast milk and keep it ready at the breast. When the baby sends a message to the brain while sucking breast milk at the breast, the breast milk starts to come out of the breast. The message activates the hypothalamus gland, which in turn activates the pituitary gland. Hormones are then released and act on special cells in the breast to produce breast milk and send it to the nipple when the baby is ready.
Lipase – an enzyme that breaks down fat in breast milk. In rare cases, some mothers have more lipase in their milk and it can cause breast milk to have a bad odor or a bad taste when frozen. Our article My milk stinks, what can I do? may help you with this.
Nursing bra – considered important for breastfeeding mothers to make breastfeeding easier. Nursing bras have opening wings on the cup so that you can breastfeed your baby without removing the bra. You can open the clasps during breastfeeding and close them afterwards.
Breast pads – Small round pads placed inside the bra to absorb milk leaks, keeping the nipple and clothes dry. During this period, the nipple must remain dry at all times for breastfeeding to continue. Otherwise, the nipple becomes open to infections. Make sure that the breast pad you are using has strong absorbency and that both surfaces are breathable.
Positioning – The way you hold or place the baby while breastfeeding. There are many breastfeeding positions and you can try many of them to determine which position is most efficient and comfortable for you and your baby. Our Breastfeeding Positions article can help you with the details.
Prolactin – a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, which is responsible for the production of breast milk in the alveoli in the breast. During pregnancy, prolactin causes the breasts to enlarge and increases breast milk production after birth. The hormone prolactin is produced in response to the urge to nipple when the baby starts to suck on the breast.
Expressing – Expressing breast milk with an external pump. There are two main categories: home-type and hospital-type. Household breast pumps are more convenient in terms of ease of use and portability. Household breast pumps come in two types: manual and electric. Electric breast pumps come in singles and pairs. You can find out when you may need a breast pump in the article Key Points in Using a Breast Pump. The Choosing a Breast Pump article can guide you in choosing the best breast pump for you.
Milking is also done to support breast milk production, store breast milk or reduce engorgement. Many mothers with premature babies may need to express their milk because their baby is too small for breastfeeding.
Relactation – occurs when a mother is able to return to breastfeeding after a period of not producing milk by using a breast pump and/or by holding her baby at the breast. If a mother has to stop breastfeeding for a period of time (e.g. for medical reasons) she will usually seek relactation. The less time that has passed since the mother stopped producing breast milk, the more chances she has to develop full milk production.
Seeking Reflex – When the baby touches your breast with its lips or rests its cheeks against your breast, the baby opens its mouth and turns its head to one side, as if looking for your breast.