baby - How Is Breast Milk Made?

When a mother is expecting a baby for the first time she is often worried about whether she will produce enough breast milk to feed her child. This is quite natural. However some mothers still feel that they will not produce enough for their child, despite begin told not to worry from their doctor, midwife, friends and family. Perhaps, understanding how breast milk is made will alleviate those fears. During the last few months of pregnancy an expectant mother will undoubtedly begin to notice the enlargement of her breasts. Her bra cup size will increase substantially and nearing the time of birth she may feel some discomfort brought about by this welling. It's a mother's developing placenta that stimulates the release of oestrogen and progesterone, which in turn stimulate the complex biological system that makes lactation possible. The anatomy of the female breast consists of the visible area we can see on the outside; the main point of interest being the areola (nipple), and is what your new baby will latch on to. The inside tissues of the breast contain a mixture of Alveoli, ductules and ducts. These are all contained in a protective layer of fat, which is what gives women the various shapes and sizes of breasts. By the time the baby is born, glandular tissue has replaced most of the fat cells and accounts for a mother's very large breasts. Each one may get as much as 1? pounds heavier. Milk is produced in the alveoli: A cluster of alveoli is called a lobule; a cluster of lobules is called a lobe. Each breast contains between 15 and 20 lobes, with one milk duct for every lobe. It is quite normal for an expecting mother to begin producing milk some months before the baby is born. Immediately after the baby is born, milk production goes into full swing; again this is caused by the release of hormones following the birth of the baby. A mother can expect to be producing all the milk her baby requires with 24 to 48 hours after birth. This period is called lactogenesis. Many mothers will experience painful breasts due to engorgement, although frequent feeding of baby during the first few days usually relieves this. A mother will also notice that the constuency of her breast milk is very creamy and slightly off white. Again this is normal. The milk produced during this first few days is called colostrums (or first milk). Colostrum is a high-protein, low-fat milk that is just what baby needs during its first days. It is easily digestible and packed with anti-bodies that help ward off infection. A mother's breast milk will continue to change giving just the right nutrients her baby needs during it's first year of life. Of course, in order for your baby to enjoy this goodness he will have to learn to latch on to mother's breast. This can sometimes be difficult and will need mother's help and patience. During the first days of feeding, you may feel some contractions in your abdomen as the baby sucks. The usually mild discomfort signals the release of oxytocin, which helps shrink your uterus back to its pre-pregnancy size. Robin O'Brien is a successfully webmaster and founder of breast-feeding-information.com. Find out about the herb fenugreek and breastfeeding are an excellent combination. Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robin_OBrien baby - Affordable Ideas for Baby Shower Gifts Just how many baby showers have you attended this year already? Quite a few and your budget is suffering? Here are some ideas for inexpensive baby shower gifts. Inexpensive baby shower gifts idea #1: Give the gift of time. If you enjoy spending time with babies give the mom-to-be a coupon book that she can redeem for hours of childcare. Inexpensive baby shower gifts idea #2: Search websites for the best deals. You will often be able to find some excellent inexpensive baby shower gifts online and sometimes the shipping is even free! Inexpensive baby shower gifts idea #3: Go to baby sales and stockpile your finds. Most department stores have really good sales two or three times a year. This is the best time to shop for inexpensive baby shower gifts. Buy clothing for baby boys and girls in newborn, 6 and 9 months sizes and you will be ready with inexpensive baby shower gifts every time you are invited to a shower. You might also want to purchase a few things in white or yellow for those inexpensive baby shower gifts when you don't know if the baby is going to be a boy or a girl. Inexpensive baby shower gifts idea #4: If you are creative you may be able to make inexpensive baby shower gifts yourself. You could offer to make the baby shower invitations and thank-you notes as your gifts. Other inexpensive baby shower gifts ideas for the creative might include nursery painting or decorating, making the christening outfit, or designing a scrapbook for the new baby. Inexpensive baby shower gifts ideas #5: A good way to find inexpensive baby shower gifts is to keep your eyes open for stores that are closing. Inexpensive baby shower gifts can be found at stores that feature baby clothing, toys and books. When these stores close there are often magnificent sales and this is the time to purchase several items and keep them until you need them. If you plan ahead you will be able to come up with many possibilities for inexpensive baby shower gifts.