Research Topic · Peer-Reviewed

Lactation

Lactation is an essential aspect of women's reproductive health. It refers to the production and secretion of milk from the mammary glands to nourish and sustain a newborn infant. The lactation process begins during pregnancy when hormonal changes stimulate the development of mammary glands. After childbirth, the l…

Curated from this journal's research 📚 12 peer-reviewed articles cited Cited 114× across the literature 🔖 ISSN 2381-862X 🗓 Reviewed June 2026

Overview

Lactation is an essential aspect of women's reproductive health. It refers to the production and secretion of milk from the mammary glands to nourish and sustain a newborn infant. The lactation process begins during pregnancy when hormonal changes stimulate the development of mammary glands. After childbirth, the levels of hormones prolactin and oxytocin increase, which further facilitates milk production and helps release the milk from the breasts. Lactation plays a crucial role in providing optimal nutrition to the infant. Breast milk contains all the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals required for healthy growth and development. The antibodies present in breast milk also help protect the infant from infections and diseases. Moreover, lactation has several benefits for the mother as well. It helps the uterus to contract after childbirth, reducing the risk of bleeding. It also promotes bonding between the mother and infant by releasing hormones like oxytocin, which generate feelings of love and attachment. However, lactation may sometimes be challenging for women, leading to issues like engorgement, infection, or insufficient milk supply. Breastfeeding education and support can help women overcome these challenges and have a positive lactation experience. In conclusion, lactation is an integral part of women's reproductive health, providing numerous benefits to both the mother and the infant. Understanding the lactation process and proper breastfeeding practices can ensure a healthy and rewarding experience for both.

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 114 times in the scholarly literature. Citation data via OpenAlex and Crossref, updated Jun 2026.

A sample of recent works citing this journal's research on Lactation, linking to each citing work.

Editorial oversight

Curated from peer-reviewed research published in Women's Reproductive Health (ISSN 2381-862X).

Journal editorial board
Paolo Ivo Cavoretto · Italy Loc Nguyen · Hong Kong Matteo Schimberni · Italy

This page summarises published research for orientation; it is not medical or professional advice.