lactation (noun)

the period following birth during which milk is secreted

"lactation normally continues until weaning"

lactation (noun)

the production and secretion of milk by the mammary glands

suckling, lactation (noun)

feeding an infant by giving suck at the breast

lactation (Noun)

The secretion of milk from the mammary gland of a female mammal.

lactation (Noun)

The process of providing the milk to the young; breastfeeding.

lactation (Noun)

The period of time that a mother lactates to feed her young; lactation period.

Lactation

Lactation describes the secretion of milk from the mammary glands and the period of time that a mother lactates to feed her young. The process occurs in all female mammals, although it predates mammals. In humans the process of feeding milk is called breastfeeding or nursing. In most species milk comes out of the mother's nipples; however, the platypus releases milk through ducts in its abdomen. In only one species of mammal, the Dayak fruit bat, is milk production a normal male function. Galactopoiesis is the maintenance of milk production. This stage requires prolactin and oxytocin. Newborn infants often produce some witch's milk. Galactorrhea is milk production unrelated to nursing, it can occur in males and females of many mammal species as result of hormonal imbalances or unusual physiological stimuli.

Lactation

Lactation describes the secretion of milk from the mammary glands and the period of time that a mother lactates to feed her young. The process naturally occurs with all sexually mature female mammals, although it may predate mammals. The process of feeding milk in all animals (including humans) is called nursing, and in humans it is also called breastfeeding. Newborn infants often produce some milk from their own breast tissue, known colloquially as witch's milk. In most species, lactation is a sign that the female has been pregnant at some point in her life, although it can happen without pregnancy. Nearly every species of mammal has nipples; except for monotremes, egg-laying mammals, which instead release milk through ducts in the abdomen. In only one species of mammal, the Dayak fruit bat from Southeast Asia, is milk production a normal male function. Galactopoiesis is the maintenance of milk production. This stage requires prolactin. Oxytocin is critical for the milk let-down reflex in response to suckling. Galactorrhea is milk production unrelated to nursing. It can occur in males and females of many mammal species as result of hormonal imbalances such as hyperprolactinaemia.