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Dairy development. Breast development during adolescence. Why don't breasts grow?

Breast formation begins in the second month of development. This fact is of great interest due to the fact that the mammary glands are phylogenetically late formations; moreover, in ontogenesis they begin to function many years after birth.

Usually in the sixth week development, two ribbon-like thickenings of the epithelium appear, located on the ventrolateral walls of the body from the armpit to the groin area. The location and extent of these so-called "milk lines" in mammals are shown schematically in the figure. The mammary glands are formed from the epithelium lying along the milk lines. U various types mammary glands are formed at different levels.

Some animals(for example, in pigs and dogs) a series of teats develops, located along almost the entire length of the milk line. In bats and woolly wings, mammary glands are formed in the axillary region, and in some whales, nipples develop in the groin region, almost on the labia majora.
The human mammary glands are usually located on the chest, but accessory nipples can often be found at other levels of the mammary line.

On histological sections the milk line has the appearance of a ribbon-like thickening of the epidermis. Due to the ongoing acceleration of cell division in this place, the epithelial thickening begins to grow into the underlying connective tissue. By the eighth week of development, it is already very difficult to trace the entire mammary line, but in those places where the mammary glands begin to form, one can see lenticular masses of epithelial cells protruding deeply into the underlying mesenchyme.

During the third months primary cell masses, representing the rudiments of the mammary glands, grow slowly, showing no signs of differentiation. During the fourth month of development, cellular cords begin to grow in various directions into the surrounding connective tissue. From these cellular cords, the lining of the main ducts is subsequently formed, and groups of cells located at the ends of the cords branch, forming smaller ducts and terminal secretory sections (acini) of the gland.

The growth of this system occurs very slowly and by the time of birth only the main ducts are formed. Initially, there are no clear sex differences in the development of the mammary gland. In adult men, the condition of these glands does not differ from the condition in which they were in childhood. In women, this difference is also very weakly expressed before puberty.

WITH onset of puberty breasts begins to rapidly increase in size. However, its increase in volume at this time is mainly due to the accumulation of fat. During puberty, there is a gradual increase in the primary epithelial cords, but the volume of the entire secretory system still constitutes a very small part of the volume of the breast. Before pregnancy occurs, the glandular tissue does not show any signs of further development. With the onset of pregnancy, under the influence of hormonal stimulation, it begins to quickly grow and differentiate.

Visible breast enlargement becomes noticeable after two months of pregnancy. The nipples increase in size. The nipple areas (areolae) around them also enlarge and become more pigmented. During the first two-thirds of pregnancy, the ductal system of the gland mostly reaches its final size. During the last third of pregnancy, changes are associated mainly with the differentiation of acini. In the first 2-3 days after birth, the mammary gland secretes a yellowish fluid called colostrum.
Around the third day after childbirth, the fat content in the secretion quickly increases and the secretion becomes typical milk.

About the powerful action of hormones, bringing the mammary glands into an active state during pregnancy, indicates interesting fact secretion of the so-called “witch’s milk” by the mammary glands of newborns of both sexes, which is similar in composition to colostrum. This quite common phenomenon is apparently associated with the stimulating effect of hormones that pass from the maternal blood through the placental barrier into the fetal blood.

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The mammary glands are symmetrical skin formations. In pigs, dogs, cats, and rabbits, they are located on both sides of the abdominal wall, to the side of the linea alba; in cows, sheep, mares, buffaloes - in the posterior part of the ventral surface of the abdomen and groin. The mammary glands consist of alveoli, passages and cisterns. Each gland has a nipple, through which milk is removed from the body through the nipple canal. The mammary glands of monotremes - the echidna and the platypus - do not have nipples.

Udder structure. The right and left halves of the udder are separated from each other by an elastic septum, which acts as a ligament that supports the udder. Under the skin there is a connective tissue capsule, from which elastic plates extend into the thickness of the udder, dividing the udder into lobes and quarters. These connective tissue plates contain blood and lymphatic vessels, as well as nerves. The lymphatic vessels of the udder are represented by a dense network of capillaries through which lymph flows to the popliteal, supra-udder lymph nodes and to the knee fold node.

Each lobe of the udder consists of a huge number of alveoli with a diameter of 0.1-0.8 mm, lined from the inside with a single-layer secretory epithelium, extending into the milk ducts. The cells of the outer layer of the alveoli and mammary ducts are star-shaped and capable of contracting rapidly. This layer is called myoepithelium, which forms a kind of spherical network around the alveoli (Fig. 53). Contraction of the myoepithelium occurs under the influence of the hormone oxytocin, which reaches it through the blood capillaries. Each alveolus, compressed from the outside by the myoepithelial layer, secretes milk into the corresponding duct. One duct departs from each alveoli, which has a sphincter regulated by the autonomic nervous system. The alveoli are arranged radially around the milk ducts. Merging, they form medium and large milk passages that open into the milk tank.

Each quarter of the udder has a separate teat, communicating with the cistern through a channel. Some cows have extra quarters and corresponding teats. There are two or three teat canals and two milk tanks in the nipples of mares. In pigs, there are two or three glands at the base of each teat, and the teat ends in two or three canals; in cats there can be 4-6 canals in the nipple, in bitches - 6-12, in rabbits - 10-15.

In cows, the udder is formed as a result of the fusion of three pairs of glands, but usually only the front two are developed, the third pair remains underdeveloped. The capacity of the posterior lobes is greater than that of the anterior ones. A large amount of milk in the udder is retained by powerful obturator sphincters located at the base of the nipple, as well as due to the special structure of the milk ducts, which have narrowings and expansions, especially in those places where they pass through the connective tissue partitions between the lobes and lobules.

The udder is abundantly supplied with blood through the external pudendal arteries, and there is a close connection between milk production and the development of the arteries. In old cows, the number of small arteries is significantly reduced and milk yield is noticeably reduced. The outflow of venous blood is carried out through the subcutaneous abdominal and external pudendal veins. High-yielding cows have highly developed veins.

The glandular tissue of the udder is innervated by the external spermatic and ilioinguinal nerves, and the main centripetal impulse enters the sensory ganglia along the external spermatic nerve. Sympathetic innervation arises from the lumbar and sacral ganglia of the border trunk. Postganglionic fibers approach the udder as part of the external spermatic and ilioinguinal nerves. At the base of the nipples there are powerful plexuses of sensory nerves, as well as several biologically active points (BAP).

Biologically active points of the udder (BAP) are located in the area of ​​the base of the nipples. The structure of BAP, which has not been fully studied, includes blood vessels and nerve endings, especially at the points where they enter the skin. BAPs have increased pain sensitivity, increased oxygen absorption, low skin resistance and increased electrical conductivity. In the BAP zone, accumulations of mast cells were found, which are of great importance in the regulation of homeostasis, since they are capable of secreting heparin, histamine, hyaluronic acid, sulfates, serotonin, which affect metabolism and synaptic transmission, and act as a biological regulator. These physiological properties of BAP are used in the treatment of many diseases, including mastitis in cows (M. G. Yakubov).

In embryonic development, the embryo has two stripes of thickened epidermis, which, gradually increasing, form the milky tubercles. These tubercles give rise to glandular tissue and nipples, the number of which can be determined already during embryonic development. At first, the milky tubercles have the shape of a lens, and then, gradually growing deeper, they acquire a flask shape. At the same time, the entire rudiment sinks deep into the skin and a depression appears on its surface, surrounded by a skin ridge. This is the so-called milky, or nipple, pocket. The base of the flask-shaped rudiment gradually produces a certain number of outgrowths in the form of cords, determined for each animal species, which then develop into the glandular section and excretory ducts of the udder.

As the embryo develops, the primary buds of the mammary glands move from a lateral position closer to the line of the beginning of the amniotic folds. Immediately after the birth of a calf, the rudiment of its mammary gland forms two shafts corresponding to the glandular field. This area of ​​skin, unlike other areas of the body, is devoid of hair.

In heifers up to 6 months of age, the udder is a small cavity, or mammary sinus, from which a system of ducts arises. During this period, the udder grows due to fatty and connective tissue, and the glandular tissue is still poorly developed. With the onset of puberty, both the ducts and the alveolar apparatus begin to grow rapidly. The most vigorous growth and final development of the udder occurs during the first pregnancy. During this period, the number of nerve fibers and blood vessels increases, and already from the second half of pregnancy the secretory epithelium begins to function, but the resulting secretion cannot yet be called colostrum.

Historically, areas of support for the dairy industry were concentrated in the following sections (the bulk of the money was directed to supporting dairy farms):

A) Compensation interest rate for investment loans (investors used this support measure mainly in the field of compensation of rates on long-term (previously 8-year) loans for the construction of farms; the maximum amount of other expenses for the creation of farms was and continues to be crammed into the amount of loans)

B) Support for livestock breeding. It was divided into 2 parts: subsidies to farms with breeding status and subsidies for the purchase of breeding young animals.

B) Subsidies per 1 kg. commercial milk.

Later, such support measures appeared within the framework of clause “A” such as increasing the term of the investment loan (for construction) to 15 years, reimbursement of part of the investment costs (up to 35%) at the rate of 450 thousand rubles. for a cattle place.

Also, some of the privileges for preferential lending extended to dairy processing.

The historical logic of government action was aimed at creating new farms and increasing the “breeding” percentage of cows in order to increase the total number of herds and the productivity of each cow on average across the country. The result of the first state program was indeed an “explosive” increase in new highly productive dairy farms. Public policy fell on unprepared professional soil, and in the absence of well-established communication and reliable sources of information, new farms developed “some for the forest, some for firewood,” which naturally led to a large percentage of bankrupt projects and to different results in the development of farms.

However, those “who survived” found themselves in the market operating at best with “0” profitability. Subsidies for “breeding” and commercial milk did not help increase the profitability of the operation. What's the matter?

The fact is that not a single government support mechanism dictated by the logic of “increasing farm income” works for existing farms. Those. all types of subsidies aimed at increasing dairy farm revenues were immediately quietly “eaten up” by the market. The mistake in the state logic of subsidies is simple - the additional income of the “lower link” in the goods production chain is instantly offset either by the purchase prices of a higher link (in our case, dairies), or by the surrounding infrastructure (suppliers of equipment, breeding stock, equipment, components, feed, etc.). d.). Those. The market responded very quickly to additional solvency by either increasing the price of input products, or reducing the price of milk, or both.

The logic needs to be changed! Instead of increasing solvency, it is necessary to support increasing productivity and quality!

If we return to the main areas of support, then point by point:

A) Increasing the loan term to 15 years and compensating part of the interest rate on loans are a sufficient measure to maintain construction new farms. Dot!

Compensation for part of investment expenses should extend only for the purchase of machinery, equipment, breeding livestock and for work with land (purchase, water circulation, cultivation, reclamation) for everyone farms: new and “old”! Taking into account the recalculation of the percentage share, the subsidy will be at least 50-70% of these farm expenses.

B) Completely abandon the section of the program dedicated to supporting breeding enterprises, moving subsidies for the purchase of breeding young stock to section “A” as part of the farm’s investment strategy.

C) Completely abandon subsidies for commercial milk.

D) Radically reconsider the issue of financing agricultural science and education, transferring this segment to a commercial basis as much as possible.

E) Increase government support in the field of promotion of dairy products. “Baby Milk” programs, television propaganda, social advertising, etc.

What will change the logic of providing state support to the dairy market:

1. By points D-E– increasing market capacity and demand for raw milk of the highest quality.

2. By points B-D– saving inefficiently spent public funds for tens of billions of rubles per year.

3. By points A-B– explosive growth in investment in improving the quality of work of new and existing farms, increasing farm productivity, expanding the capacity of existing farms and building new facilities. It will become profitable to professionally raise replacement young stock for the needs of your own farm and for sale. The new logic of state support will also stimulate domestic agricultural engineering in a more transparent way than direct state support. The state will stop losing money on “inflated” farm construction estimates, and investors will no longer need to “inflate” these estimates due to the inevitability of including costs for equipment, machinery and new livestock in “construction” expenses. And most importantly: increasing operational efficiency is an internal source of profit, not subject to the influence of suppliers and processors.

DEVELOPMENT OF THE MAMMARY GLANDS AND THEIR CHANGES IN CONNECTION WITH THE PHYSIOLOGICAL STATE OF THE FEMALE’S BODY

The mammary glands begin to develop in the embryos of cattle, sheep, horses from the skin epithelium and mesenchyme on the abdominal wall in the area from the umbilical cord to the pubic region, in the embryos of pigs and dogs - from the sternum to the pubic region. Epithelial cells multiply and longitudinal thickenings form on the skin on the right and left sides of the medial sternal groove and from the linea alba. These thickenings are called milky stripes or ridges. Later, in pre-fruits, milk lenses are clearly visible on the milk ridges in the form of rounded thickenings of the skin epithelium and underlying mesenchyme.

The number of mammary lenses is equal to the number of mammary gland lobes with nipples in a given animal species. In pre-fetuses and fetuses, parts of the mammary glands develop from mammary lenses.

The epithelium of milk lenses forms a cone-shaped outgrowth into the subcutaneous layer. At the end of this epithelial outgrowth, tree-like outgrowths of the epithelium arise. Around them a connective tissue framework is formed from reticular, loose and adipose connective tissue. A slit-like cavity of the nipple and milk cistern appear inside the epithelial flask. The center of the epithelial bulb rises together with the skin covering it and forms the nipple. The named parts of the mammary gland primordia are expressed in the fetal period of development in heifers at the fourth month, in pigs at the end of the second month. Subsequently, before birth, new epithelial tree-like growths grow. The amount of fatty, reticular, loose connective tissue increases.

In a newborn heifer, the udder has relatively developed nipples and an undeveloped body. Each lobe has a cistern and milk ducts, from which strands of epithelial tissue emerge, surrounded by loose connective, reticular, and adipose tissue. At the site of future alveolar tubes there are microscopic thickenings of epithelial tissue.

Heifers aged 12-15 months have an udder body and teats; the udder body is relatively undeveloped. At the ends of the epithelial strands of the ducts, separate alveoli and alveolar tubes appear.

At 2-3 months of pregnancy, the number of alveoli and alveolar tubes in the lobules begins to increase. At 7-8 months of pregnancy, increased development and growth of the glandular tissue of the udder is noted. Before calving, the epithelium of new alveolar tubes multiplies, blood circulation in the udder increases, and colostrum secretion begins. The udder increases in volume, colostrum begins to be released, intensive secretion of which continues for a week after calving and is then replaced by milk secretion.

During the dry period (cessation of lactation before calving), the total volume of the udder decreases and a significant number of blood capillaries collapse. A significant part of the alveolar tubes and ducts is filled with leukocytes and a mass of cytoplasm of dying epithelial cells. The interlobular ducts also collapse inside. The thickness of the layers of loose, reticular and adipose tissue inside the lobes and lobules of the mammary gland increases 2-3 times. Before calving, blood circulation in the udder increases, the epithelium of the alveoli in the lobules regenerates, and the udder increases in volume. The secretion of colostrum begins.

In pigs after farrowing, those lobes of the mammary gland whose nipples are sucked by piglets develop and increase in volume, while the rest increase slightly.

Breed-specific structural features of the mammary glands are manifested in the volume, shape of the udder and the quantitative ratios of glandular and connective tissue within the lobes of the glands. In cows of beef breeds, which produce 800-1000 liters of milk per season, the udder of a primitive, flat or goat shape predominates; the glandular tissue in the lactating udder occupies half the mass of the lobe. In dairy cows with a milk yield of 3-5 thousand liters of milk per year, glandular tissue makes up 2/3-3/4 of the udder; a cup-shaped or bath-shaped udder predominates.

Self-test questions

1. What are the main shapes and parts of a cow's udder?

2. How is the structure of the skin of the udder nipples different and how is the skin of the supra-uterine area (milk mirror) delimited?

3. How are the suspensory apparatus and the connective tissue framework of the udder arranged?

4. Describe the glandular parts of the udder and the system that removes milk.

5. What are the features of the location and structure of the udder in sheep, horses, mammary glands in pigs and dogs?

6. Describe the development of the mammary glands before the birth of animals and the main structural features of the udder of a newborn heifer, a heifer aged 12-15 months, a lactating cow and a cow during the dry period.

7. How do the ratios of glandular and connective tissues of the mammary glands differ in cows of beef and high-milk breeds?

8. How to determine which nipples piglets and puppies suck from the external shape of the mammary glands?

Mother's milk is indispensable for the baby as the main nutrition from the first days of life. The natural mechanism inherent in a woman by nature is of incomparable value for the existence of humanity. However, more and more young women refuse it, preferring to feed their children artificially. What exactly is lactation, how is it formed, what benefits does it provide to mother and child?

Breastfeeding is an unforgettable experience in a woman’s life, as well as establishing a close emotional connection with her newborn.

When and how does lactation occur?

Lactation is a difficult but natural moment of education for a woman. breast milk, which accumulates in the chest and is then removed from it by the baby sucking on the nipple. The basis of what is happening is hormonal changes, which do not depend on the size of the bust. Preparing the mammary gland to produce milk is called lactogenesis. Lactopoiesis is the medical name for maintaining lactation.

The development of lactation changes begins during pregnancy, and at the time of childbirth, the woman’s correctly adjusted hormonal background causes the arrival of milk. Where does breast milk come from?

The required amount of milk is produced due to the presence of three hormones in the mother’s body: prolactin, placental lactogen and oxytocin. Entering the blood, these hormones stimulate the onset of the lactation process in a woman who has given birth.

Let's see what they are responsible for, and how the physiology of the female body contributes to this.

Hormones and their features

We have already found out that the natural physiology of lactation is determined by three important hormones. Each of these three hormones performs its own role, predetermined by nature. Placental lactogen is secreted by placental cells later pregnancy, when the mechanism of preparing the breast for successful milk production is activated. The concentration of the hormone gradually decreases after childbirth, and after a few days it completely disappears from the blood of the fetus and mother.



 Placental lactogen is produced during pregnancy

Prolactin initiates and maintains normal milk production during lactation. If the amount of prolactin in the blood does not correspond to the normal level, a failure occurs. The hormone is a peptide and is produced in the pituitary gland. An increase in the amount of prolactin begins during pregnancy, and by the time the baby is born, the cells that secrete it make up 70-80% of all pituitary cells. It is not without reason that prolactin is called the hormone of motherhood, since only thanks to it the entire mechanism of milk formation is launched during breastfeeding.

Oxytocin organizes the movement of fluid through the milk ducts and supports the reflex process of milk release. You can feel how it works by feeling a slight tingling sensation in your breasts and when a small amount of milk comes out between feedings. Nutrient fluid accumulates in the alveoli, then passes through the tubules and ducts, overcomes the sinuses and passes through the nipple to the baby.

Duration of lactation

Duration refers to individual indicators and can vary from several months to several years. The recognized norm is indicated by specialists within a period of 5-24 months. In the first weeks after the birth of the baby, the volume of nutrient fluid in the mother may vary. Its stable amount is established after 6-12 days, and as much milk is produced as is necessary for the full development of the child. From this moment, lactation lasts at least 3-6 months.



After the two-year mark, lactation will be suspended naturally

The synthesis of hormones that support milk formation is completed if a woman stops breastfeeding, which takes about 1-2 weeks. An important component of everything that happens is regular emptying of the mammary gland. If the regularity of emptying the breast is not observed, the secretion stagnates in the alveoli and ducts, the arrival of milk slows down and may stop altogether. In just one day, the mother produces 600-1300 ml of milk.

How many stages is lactogenesis divided into?

Let's take a closer look at lactogenesis. Doctors break it down into several important stages:

  • Stage 1 begins 12 weeks before the baby is born, when colostrum is produced in the breast cells. The level of prolactin, estrogen and progesterone increases, against this background the female breast changes and its sensitivity increases. Prolactin controls the development of alveoli and lobules located in the mammary gland.
  • Stage 2 starts at the time of birth. Doctors tend to determine its onset from the first time the baby is put to the breast. The baby makes his first attempts to suckle at the breast and receives the most valuable maternal colostrum.
  • Stage 3 is a transitional stage, marked by the gradual transformation of colostrum into full-fledged milk. The duration of the third stage takes 3-7 days. It takes place in three stages: the first 3 days, colostrum is produced, then early transitional milk is formed, replaced by late transitional milk, and finally, the production of mature milk begins.

The complete formula for lactogenesis looks like this: colostrum -> early transitional milk -> late transitional milk -> mature milk. If the transition from colostrum to the first two forms takes approximately 3-7 days, then it takes from 3 weeks to 3 months to reach milk maturity. Since hormones are involved in all stages of lactation, its course does not depend on whether the woman is feeding the child or not. For proper breast milk production, it is important to follow simple rules:

  • Feed your baby frequently so that the number of prolactin receptors in the breast increases. This promotes the rapid interaction of breast components with prolactin, which ensures milk production. The connection that occurs prepares the basis for the next stage of lactogenesis.
  • Avoid hourly regulation of feedings. The baby should be given breastfeeding on demand, at least every 2 hours, including at night. It is better not to express your breasts or soothe your baby with a pacifier or pacifier.

Why do breasts hurt during lactation?

Where does chest pain come from? Pain in the chest appears in the second stage of lactation, when the hormone oxytocin comes into effect. The “oxytocin reflex,” as doctors call it, is characterized by the following symptoms:

  • before feeding and during it, there is a tingling and burning sensation in the chest;
  • felt pain syndrome and a feeling of excessive breast fullness;
  • the breast begins to leak a few minutes before feeding;
  • When the baby stops feeding, milk continues to be released.


 At the second stage of lactation, the breasts may feel noticeably sore

The release of oxytocin from cells starts at the moment the baby sucks the breast. The baby stimulates the nerve endings of the nipple, as a result of which the production of a hormone begins in the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland, which passes into the breast cavity through the blood. Accumulating during sucking, oxytocin provokes the release of milk during feeding. This is how the “oxytocin reflex” goes. The hormone does not stimulate milk production if:

  • Feeling pain, the mother does not breastfeed the baby;
  • the parent is upset or very offended;
  • feels anxious and uneasy;
  • doubts his abilities.

Young women in labor need to remember that sufficient breast filling is directly related to their emotional state, since it is controlled and with the participation of hormones. It is obvious that the processes are closely interconnected. If you are worried, stressed because of some difficult family situation, or feel fear, then your milk will not come in normally.



 If in the last trimester of pregnancy the expectant mother was worried and worried a lot, problems with lactation may arise

How does milk formation occur?

Milk formation occurs when the milk reaches a mature “age”. If you are giving birth for the first time, then the transition from early and late to mature milk lasts from 1 to 3 months; for experienced women giving birth, this process takes 3 weeks to 1.5 months. Signs of milk maturity are:

  • breasts are soft to the touch;
  • there is no feeling of breast fullness before feeding;
  • painful hot flashes stop;
  • Milk production begins immediately at the time of feeding.

The difference between preparation for the start and milk production itself is that milk does not come from an increase in the number of hormones oxytocin and prolactin, but as a reaction to the baby's sucking. The volume of nutrient fluid depends on the degree of breast emptying. The “empty vessel” principle comes into play: feeding, empty breasts, milk production. The main thing is to adhere to the rules of frequent feeding both day and night.


 After mature lactation is established, milk begins to arrive immediately before feeding

Why do lactation crises occur?

A lactation crisis is several short-term (2-7 days) periods in a child’s life when he, being unreasonably worried and irritated, requires constant breastfeeding. The timing of their onset is individual and occurs at the ages of 3 weeks, six weeks, 3 and 6 months. The causes of lactation crises are:

  • Activation of growth. The child begins to grow, as they say, by leaps and bounds, he does not have enough nutrition, so he grabs the breast to meet his needs and adjust the filling of the mammary glands to his growing appetite.
  • The reaction of the mother's body to the full moon. The period when milk production decreases in some mothers, while in others it increases.

How to correctly assess the situation?

Test wet diapers. If more than 12 pieces are gained (for girls more than 10), the baby adds about 113 grams in weight ( minimum rate according to WHO) for a week, which means you have enough milk. However, you may get the impression that all you do is feed your child all the time. The baby, barely having time to empty one breast, grabs the other. Please note that such behavior of a baby is considered normal and does not indicate a lactation crisis. An increased desire to eat can be caused by improper care or a stressful situation for the baby.



 The wet diaper test (or the number of times a diaper is urinated) can tell if your baby is getting enough milk

During a lactation crisis, the baby’s anxiety increases due to the lack of the required volume of milk, which can meet all his nutritional needs. Blaming the lactation crisis alone for this would be a mistake. The baby can also be capricious due to bad weather, due to sudden changes in atmospheric pressure. The full moon, too noisy water treatments, long walks, and the presence of strangers also affect the child’s psycho-emotional background.

How to behave during this period?

It is possible that you will not encounter a crisis or that it will pass unnoticed by you. Initially, you should not tune in to such a problem, and it is even more wrong to expect its occurrence. Remember the main principle of milk production - demand creates supply. This means that the more volume the baby sucks, the faster it is replenished. The child instinctively “hangs” on the chest in order to provide himself with the required amount in advance. Mom should not rush to feed her treasure with formula. It is also wrong not to give the baby the breast upon his request. Try not to worry, wait a little, and you will see that within 3-7 days milk will begin to be produced as much as a little gourmet needs.



Do not worry about the lack of milk during a lactation crisis - the more often you put your baby to the breast, the more milk will appear

What is lactation involution?

Involution of lactation is its complete completion (see also:). Its first signs appear at 2-3 years. Natural involution should not be confused with forced weaning of the child. The correct course of lactation involution occurs at a natural level, when the parent’s body physiologically stops milk production. Artificial termination of the lactation period does not belong to the concept of involution. What is lactation involution and how does it happen?

How does it affect the mammary glands?

Dramatic changes begin with the regression of processes that occurred during the entire feeding period. The closure of the excretory ducts on the nipples, due to nature, begins, glandular tissues are replaced by fatty tissues, the breasts take on the same shape and condition in which they were before pregnancy. The breast becomes completely incapable of feeding on the 40th day, counting from the last feeding. It is worth noting that the time duration of lactation involution is the same for all women and does not depend on how long your lactation period lasted.



 In preparation for and during lactation, the breasts undergo changes.

Signs of involution

Discomfort when breastfeeding, a strong desire to stop it - this does not mean that the time has come for the natural involution of lactation. To accurately establish the beginning of involution breastfeeding there are certain signs. It is useful for nursing parents to know them, so we will dwell on them in more detail. Carefully read each sign so as not to be frightened and not to flatter yourself with vain hopes.

Child's age

Having breastfed the baby for up to a year, the mother begins to think about switching him completely to regular food. The desire appears for various reasons: a course of treatment awaits, going to work, advice from relatives and friends. The excuses found encourage the false idea that completion occurs naturally. By passing off wishful thinking as reality, you forget about the precisely established deadlines for involution - the child’s age is 2-4 years.

Early completion of the formation of nutrient fluid in the breast occurs against the background of a new pregnancy or in case of hormonal imbalances (primary hypogalactia). With primary hypolactia, milk production is significantly reduced, creating the appearance that lactation involution has occurred. If this happens at the age of 1-1.5 years, to claim that you have involution means deceiving yourself.



 Most often, from the age of two, a child switches to “adult” food by decision of the parents.

Increased sucking activity

When the lactation period approaches its end, the amount of milk decreases and the baby does not get enough. The baby increasingly asks for the breast, sucks it diligently, moves to another, and does not let go for a long time. The baby can suck even on an empty breast, waiting for milk to be released. The period of such activity lasts for several months and depends on how long the entire lactation period lasts and how often the baby is put to the breast.

Mom's fatigue

Psycho-emotional and physiological fatigue comes from the fact that breastfeeding can last up to 2-4 years. A stressful lifestyle and the body’s continuous work to produce milk provoke dizziness and weakness, which are felt after feeding. The approach of the final stage causes pain in the mammary gland, nipples also hurt, and general discomfort is felt. Feeding time begins to irritate, and there is a desire to stop it. The general condition during this period can be compared with the initial stages of pregnancy, when fatigue, irritability, and drowsiness set in. Violations are also possible menstrual cycle.



 At some point, the mother stops enjoying the feeding process and wants to stop it completely

Psychological fatigue of both participants in the process

No matter how long breastfeeding lasts, there comes a time when both participants, mother and baby, are tired and psychologically ready to give it up. We must not forget that breastfeeding itself plays an important role in the development of the baby, not only as nutrition, but also provides great psychological assistance. Pleasant moments of close contact have a beneficial effect on the psycho-emotional state of the parent and her little treasure. If it is difficult for a baby to abruptly stop breastfeeding, he sleeps poorly, is capricious without sucking milk, it is obvious that the moment for refusal has not yet come. It turns out that both decisions - for and against breastfeeding - are difficult.

What changes occur in the mammary glands?

If the operation of completing breastfeeding proceeds naturally, the breasts become soft and there is no pain even when the last feeding was 12 hours ago. Considering such positive changes, it becomes clear that the mechanism launched by nature is completed absolutely safely for women's health. The physiology of the breast is ideally prepared for motherhood.