Breast milk components and factors that may affect lactation success

Abstract

Introduction. Breastfeeding is the most important way to feed a newborn, infant and a young child. Lactogenesis is the ability of secreting milk from the mammary gland and includes secretory initiation and activation. The birth of the placenta and decrease in progesterone levels stimulate an increase in prolactin levels and the secretion of milk from the breast. Human milk contains carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids and trace elements. In addition, numerous cells, macrophages, bacteria, chemokines, cytokines, immunoglobulins, hormones, growth factors, and mucin are present. The composition of milk differs depending on the phase of secretion. Colostrum is secreted for the first five days after birth, then comes transitional milk, and mature milk two weeks after birth. During the very act of breastfeeding, there is a difference between pre-milk and last milk. In pre-milk, the fat content is low and increases with the duration of lactation, and in breast milk it is relatively high. Aim: To point out the importance of milk composition and factors that are influential for breastfeeding. Conclusion: Maternal parity, age or socioeconomic status and education can affect the concentration of certain components of breast milk. Adequate social policy and support, along with education related to early breastfeeding experiences, can be the key factors in initiating and maintaining breastfeeding. Besides the mother and the child, the entire social community would benefit from that.