Lactogenesis and prolactin
Breastmilk is best in 24 to 48 hours of birth. This period is called lactogenesis scientist. Once you have expelled the placenta, producer of hormones, estrogen and progesterone begin to decline in your body. The hormone prolactin, which increases during pregnancy, is released to do its job. The pituitary hormone tells your body to produce lots of milk to feed your baby. Laboratory studies also show that prolactin contributes to awakening the maternal instinct, which explains the name "hormone tongue" that give some specialists.
When your body prepares for lactation, it sends more blood into the cells, making your breasts firm and full. Swollen blood vessels, associated with an abundance of milk, make your breasts temporarily painful and engorged, but frequent feedings during the first days you should quickly ease.
The "first milk" or colostrum
During the first days of breastfeeding, your baby swallows a substance concentrated, creamy, rich in protein and low in fat, called colostrum. You may lose a few drops of this thick yellowish substance in the last weeks of your pregnancy (or in the second quarter for some women). This valuable and easily digestible liquid is rich in anti-infectives, immunoglobulins, which strengthen the immune system of infants. Breast milk changes over time to adapt to the needs of the child.
Milk drinks that your toddler comes from inner cell. The process is as follows: by sucking the nipple, the baby stimulates the pituitary, which releases large oxytocin - as well as prolactin - into the bloodstream. When it reaches the breast, oxytocin causes contraction of tiny muscles that surround the alveoli filled with milk. It then flows into the channels that transport it to the milk ducts, just below the areola. Suckling, the infant relies on the milk ducts and milk flows into her mouth.
During the first days of breastfeeding, it may be that you feel contractions in the abdomen when your baby feeds. This discomfort is usually mild to release oxytocin, which helps your uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size. (This same hormone that your uterus to contract during labor.) Another sign you may feel calm, satisfied and happy when you are breastfeeding. No wonder some people call oxytocin the love hormone.
As your milk flow increases, you may feel as stinging, biting, burning or tingling in the breasts. Some women say their milk drop splashing or even during ejection. It is important to create a peaceful environment for breastfeeding - if you're relaxed, your milk will flow more easily and abundantly. Many women compare breastfeeding to learning the bike: it is sometimes a little difficult at first, but once you - and your baby - are accustomed, it becomes second nature.