mammary glands

Mammary glands

Mammary glands are specialized organs in your breast that produce milk to nourish your baby. These glands include a network of structures like alveoli (tiny sacs), ducts, and supportive tissues that work together during breastfeeding.

When your baby latches and suckles, hormones such as prolactin and oxytocin signal the mammary glands to produce and release milk. This process ensures your baby gets the nutrients they need.

What to watch out for

Sometimes, breastfeeding challenges can affect how your mammary glands function. Here are a few issues to be aware of:

1. Engorgement: This happens when your breasts feel overly full, tight, or painful due to milk buildup. Engorgement can make it hard for your baby to latch. To relieve it, nurse frequently, hand express, or use a pump to remove milk. If it lasts more than a week or gets worse, consult a lactation expert. Breastfeeding should not be painful, and using a nipple balm can help soothe discomfort.
2. Blocked ducts: If milk gets stuck in a duct, you might notice a tender lump in your breast. Gently massaging the area and applying cold compresses can help. Blocked ducts usually clear within a day or two. Seek help if symptoms persist or worsen.
3. Mastitis: This is inflammation in the breast, sometimes caused by infection. Symptoms include redness, warmth, pain, and flu-like feelings. Keep breastfeeding to drain milk and see a doctor if symptoms worsen or you develop a fever.
4. Low milk supply: If your baby isn’t getting enough milk, the glands may not be producing effectively. Frequent nursing and ensuring a proper latch can help. If you’re still concerned after a week, talk to a lactation consultant. You can also explore ways to increase your breastmilk supply.

Physical limitations or health circumstances

Certain conditions may affect how well your mammary glands produce or release milk:

• Breast surgery: Past surgeries, like reductions or augmentations, may disrupt milk production or flow.
• Insufficient glandular tissue (IGT): This condition means there’s less milk-making tissue in your breasts, which can lower milk supply.
• Hormonal issues: Conditions like PCOS or thyroid problems can affect the hormones that drive milk production.
• Previous radiation therapy: Treatment in the chest area can impact the glands’ function.

Other terms

Understanding related terms can deepen your knowledge of how your mammary glands work during breastfeeding:

1. Alveoli: Tiny sacs in your mammary glands where milk is produced.
2. Milk ducts: Channels that carry milk from the alveoli to your nipple.
3. Prolactin: A hormone that stimulates milk production in the alveoli.
4. Oxytocin: A hormone that helps milk flow by causing the muscles around the alveoli to contract.
5. Let-down reflex: The process that moves milk through the ducts to the nipple when your baby suckles.

Breastfeeding is a journey, and understanding your mammary glands’ role can make it easier and more rewarding. For more guidance, explore our Position and Latch Checklist.