lactation

Lactation is the process by which mammals produce milk to nourish their young. It begins after childbirth, triggered by hormonal changes in the body. The primary hormone involved is prolactin, which stimulates milk production in the mammary glands. Oxytocin helps with milk release during breastfeeding. Lactation provides essential nutrients, antibodies, and bonding time between mother and baby, supporting healthy growth and immune development. The duration and frequency of breastfeeding can influence milk supply, as it works on a demand-and-supply basis—the more a baby nurses, the more milk is produced.