Special Sub-Topic: Lactation Click Here To Play: Lactation

What is the name of the gland that governs lactation?

pituitary. The pituitary gland produces growth hormone for normal development of height and prolactin for milk production. This small pea sized gland also affects other vital body functions including metabolism, sexuality and reproduction.

What is a milk bank?

a place that distributes donor milk to mothers and babies in need. As of 2005 there are 9 milk banks in the U.S. and one in Canada, but funding is a persistent issue so that number could have changed at the time of this writing. Doctors need to prescribe it and some insurance companies will cover some of the cost. Some babies cannot tolerate formula. Search for Human Milk Banking Association of North America for the history of milk banking, details about processing, donating and locations.

Recent studies indicate that breastfeeding may reduce the risk of ___________to a moderate degree.

obesity. Though the benefit may be of moderate degree, given the concern regarding obesity in some countries of the world, this benefit may still be of public health significance.

The first secretion from the mammary glands after giving birth is called what?

colostrum. Colostrum has higher concentrations of immunoglobulins (antibodies)than mature milk.

The milk of most species contains lots of ___?

water. Human milk contains consists of about 87% water and so is all the newborn baby needs, even in hot climates.

A woman who has never been pregnant can lactate.

t. Some women have been able to breastfeed their adopted children, even if only partially. It is called induced lactation if a woman has never breastfed, re-lactation in the case of a woman having breastfed a baby before.

What is a galactagogue?

Herb or medicine used to increase milk supply.. A common galactogogue is fenugreek.

A professional who is paid to help women breastfeed is called a ___.

Lactation Consultant. IBCLC are the letters commonly used to refer to an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant or someone who specializes in the clinical management of breastfeeding. Some women can access their services for free at clinics or hospitals but they can also can often be hired for in home visits.

What is a wet nurse?

a woman hired to breastfeed your baby. Wet nursing is a a very old profession but generally frowned upon in our modern culture, due to the fear of transmitting disease. However, breastfeeding someone else's child is still practiced by some, if only on a very casual, as-needed basis.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF approximately 1.5 million many babies die every year because they were not breastfed. Factors contributing to this toll include

all of these (improper preparation of formula, lack of money for buying formula & so it is diluted, lack of safe water supply for making formula). Harmful bacteria in water can lead to serious illness for babies, the most serious being diarrhea which causes thousands of deaths each year due to dehydration.