Milk production

Researchers have a growing understanding about how milk synthesis and output works and what the determinants or an adequate milk production are. Right after birth milk production is solely hormone driven. Whether or not a baby is drinking. After a day or 3 production will to convert into a demand-and-supply system where supply follows demand and frequent and functional breast stimulation is essential. This is a highly individual process, where rhythms and patterns need to be adapted to fit the possibilities and needs of mother and child as a pair. In breastfeeding counselling often a ‘’cooking book’’ technique is used, thinking breastfeeding is a one size fits all. On the one hand this may lead to an overload of milk produced, on the other hand to a significant deficit in milk volume, or, even more often, to a perceived low milk supply due to a misinterpretation to normal patterns and behaviour.

van Veldhuizen-Staas CGA: Overabundant milk supply: an alternative way to intervene by full drainage and block feeding. International Breastfeeding Journal 2007, 2:11

Christina M. Smillie CM, Suzanne Hetzel Campbel Sl, Susan Iwinski S: Hyperlactation: How Left-brained ‘Rules’ for Breastfeeding Can Wreak Havoc With a Natural Process.

Newborn and Infant Nursing Reviews 2005, 5(1):49-58

Dykes F: Western medicine and marketing: construction of an inadequate milk syndrome in lactating women. Health Care Women Int 2002; 23(5):492-502