Lactation
Production and ejection of milk by the mammary gland, controlled by prolactin and oxytocin.
Also: Breastfeeding
Lactogenesis I begins mid-pregnancy with colostrum production; Lactogenesis II is copious milk production starting 30 to 72 hours postpartum after placental delivery and progesterone drop. Maternal nutrition requires ~330 to 400 additional kcal/day in the first 6 months and increased intake of protein, iodine, choline, and DHA. WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding through 6 months and continued breastfeeding with complementary foods to 24 months and beyond.
How one textbook covers it
Krause and Mahan's Food and the Nutrition Care Process, 16th ed. — Chapter 14
Lactogenesis I begins mid-pregnancy with colostrum production; Lactogenesis II is copious milk production starting 30 to 72 hours postpartum after placental delivery and progesterone drop. Maternal nutrition requires ~330 to 400 additional kcal/day in the first 6 months and increased intake of protein, iodine, choline, and DHA. WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding through 6 months and continued breastfeeding with complementary foods to 24 months and beyond.
Related terms
Colostrum, Complementary Feeding, Prolactin