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.
Areola – The dark area around the nipple.
Colostroma – In the first few days after birth, before your “mature” milk arrives, your body produces this infection-fighting protein-laden fluid. The breast secretes very small amounts of this thick, yellowish fluid. This fluid is very important for the health of your newborn baby.
Engorgement – Your body produces “mature” milk for a few days after birth (following the colostrum period). Because your baby’s stomach is very small, it may not be able to empty your breast sufficiently. It can be uncomfortable for the mother if the breasts are not emptied enough and remain full of milk. This milk can clog the ducts. In this case, expressing your breast may be a solution. This will disappear when the body produces breast milk more regularly.
Last milk – Breast milk with a high fat content usually comes at the end of breastfeeding. The breast milk-producing cells in the breast (alveoli) produce breast milk continuously. During breastfeeding, the fatty part of the breast milk tends to stay in the milk ducts inside the breasts and attach to the alveolar walls.
As breast milk is produced, it moves towards the nipple, leaving more fat at the back of the breast. At the next breastfeeding, the baby will first receive the first milk, which is low in fat, and towards the end of breastfeeding will receive the milk with more fat (the last milk). Whether the baby gets enough milk is actually related to the content of breast milk. It is important for mothers to follow the development of their babies with a doctor rather than how many cc’s of breast milk they are breastfeeding. Breastfeed only when your baby asks for it and make sure that your baby gets the nutrients it needs.
International Board Certified Lactation Specialist (IBCLC) – This is an excellent resource for breastfeeding moms. International Board Certified Lactation Specialists provide help for all breastfeeding issues, including the most challenging situations. IBCLC is an international group that provides consistent standards worldwide. To become an IBCLC member, a person must pass an exam as well as hours of clinical experience working with breastfeeding mothers and babies.
Lanolin – This oil is a savior for many breastfeeding mothers who suffer from cracked nipples. It softens and helps protect the nipples, but make sure you only use the pure form of lanolin to avoid allergies to toxins from impure forms.
Latching – latching is when the baby takes the nipple into the mouth to start breastfeeding and the areola is properly positioned in the baby’s mouth. Proper positioning is important as your nipple will need to touch the top of your baby’s mouth to enable the baby to latch on, suck and swallow. Our Breastfeeding Positions article can help you with the details.
Our article Glossary of Breastfeeding Terms – 2 may inform you about other terms.