How is Breast Milk Produced? During the second trimester of Pregnancy milk is produced in sac-like glands in the breast. Hormones known as prolactin (stimulates milk production) and oxytocin (stimulates contractions of the milk glands, also referred to as the ‘let-down reflex’) are released. Initially, the milk that is produced by your breasts is called colostrum, which occurs during the fifth or sixth month of pregnancy. Colostrum is thick, yellowish in colour, high in protein and rich in antibodies passed down from the mother. It is present in small amounts for the first three days after birth and is all the nutrition your baby needs at this time. Over the next few days (48 to 72 hours), breast milk increases and changes into mature milk. When you first begin breastfeeding, the milk that your baby receives is called foremilk. It is watery, thin and has a bluish tinge. Foremilk contains water mostly and is needed to quench the baby’s thirst. After several minutes of Breastfeeding , your breast will release hind-milk. It has a cream-like texture and is high in fat. Hind-milk helps your baby to gain weight and satisfies his or her hunger. It also has a soothing effect on the baby, encouraging sleepiness. It is important to breastfeed early, a few hours after birth. Nursing your baby frequently and on demand, at least 8 to 12 times a day, as this will help to maintain your milk supply.

Help for Breast Milk Production Natural Remedies Very often mothers who are breastfeeding struggle to produce milk. Although there are a wide variety of over-the-counter and prescription medications that can help you to lactate and produce breast milk, these medications can be passed from the mother to the baby causing some harmful side effects. Natural remedies are a much safer option and have a gentler effect on the body’s system. Herbs such as Galega officinalis, Silybum marianus (Milk Thistle) and Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek) promotes milk production and increases milk volume. Another effective herb, Borago officinalis (Borage) stimulates breast milk production and flow, and is a calming anti-inflammatory for women recovering from childbirth

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