Overview
Breast milk is a unique and powerful substance that is produced by mothers to nourish their infants. It is a vital component of a woman's reproductive health, and serves as the perfect food for newborns. Breast milk is rich in nutrients that promote healthy growth and development in infants. It contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals in the perfect balance to meet the needs of a growing baby. Breast milk also contains antibodies and immune cells that protect babies from infections and illnesses, boosting their immune system and protecting them from disease. Breastfeeding offers a range of benefits for both the mother and the baby. It helps to strengthen the bond between mother and child and promotes emotional wellbeing. It also reduces the risk of certain types of cancer in mothers, and helps to restore the uterus to its pre-pregnancy size and shape. Breast milk production is initiated by the hormone prolactin, which is secreted by the pituitary gland. Prolactin levels increase during pregnancy and continue to rise after birth, stimulating milk production. The baby's sucking also stimulates the release of the hormone oxytocin, which causes the milk to be ejected from the breast. It is important for mothers to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle to support breast milk production. They should also seek support from lactation consultants or other healthcare professionals to overcome any breastfeeding problems that may arise. Overall, breast milk is a crucial factor in women's reproductive health and plays an essential role in supporting the health and wellbeing of babies. The benefits of breastfeeding are significant and long-lasting, making it an essential aspect of maternal and infant health.
Research published in this journal
12 peer-reviewed articles, ranked by relevance. Each links to its DOI.
How this research is being cited
The 12 articles above have been cited 122 times in the scholarly literature. Citation data via OpenAlex and Crossref, updated Jun 2026.
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2026 · Exposure and Health
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2026 · Journal of Religion and Health
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Nasywa Firja Azzahra et al. · 2025 · Journal of Pharmacy and Science
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Gorfu Geremew et al. · 2025 · Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health
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Getasew Yirdaw et al. · 2025 · Scientific Reports
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2025 · Maternal Health, Neonatology and Perinatology
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2025 · Scientific Reports
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2025 · Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health
A sample of recent works citing this journal's research on Breast Milk, linking to each citing work.