Lactation

Lactation is the process of milk production by the mammary glands of mammals. It is an essential physiological process that sustains the young of a species, typically soon after birth. During lactation, hormone changes prepare the mammary glands to secrete milk, which is then released in response to the baby suckling. Lactation is vital for the newborn's immune system, growth, and development and is beneficial to the mother's health as well. The milk provides important nutrients, as well as potentially protective factors, to the baby's gut microbiome. In humans, lactation provides both nutrition and psychological and social benefits. Breasts that are not used for lactation may still produce milk; this is known as ‘galactorrhea’.