Explain how breast milk is formed in the mammary glands and the physiology of breast milk.

Homework | maternal child care | Rasmussen College System

The mammary glands produce breast milk. The mammary is made up of several ducts which lead to nipples and alveoli. These alveoli are connected to tiny blood vessels known as capillaries, which allow nutrients and hormones from the mother’s bloodstream to be delivered into breast milk.

When a baby begins breastfeeding, the sucking action stimulates certain nerves in the nipple and sends signals to the brain’s pituitary gland. The sucking action triggers an intricate hormonal cascade that involves prolactin and oxytocin as well as cortisol. These hormones work in concert to activate cells within each alveolus. Prolactin controls fat production, while oxytocin moves breast milk along ducts in each lobe at let-down time (when the milk flow peaks). Cells within the alveoli are stimulated to produce caseins (milk protein), wheys (a water soluble protein), and lactose, a sugar. Breast milk production increases as your baby breastfeeds.

The composition of a mother’s breast milk changes over time depending on her diet or if she has recently experienced stress or illness; however it always contains essential immune-boosting antibodies that provide protection against infection for her infant. In addition to promoting healthy digestion, breast milk also contributes to important neurodevelopment due its high level of DHA. DHA is an omega-3 fatty acids associated with cognitive and visual function.