mature milk
Mature milk provides balanced nutrients and antibodies for your baby after the first few weeks.
Breastfeeding Glossary Terms
Learn about how your incredible body works.
milk bleb
A milk bleb is a small white or yellow spot on the nipple blocking milk flow.
milk duct
Milk ducts are tiny tubes in the breast that transport milk from alveoli to the nipple.
milk supply
Milk supply is the amount of breastmilk produced to meet your baby’s needs.
minerals
Minerals in breastmilk support your baby’s growth and bone development.
moist heat
Moist heat, like warm compresses or baths, can help relieve pain and aid milk flow.
montgomery glands
Montgomery glands are around the areola and help lubricate and guide the baby to the nipple.
night feed
Night feeds are feeding your baby during nighttime hours.
nipple
The nipple is the small, raised part of the breast where milk flows to your baby.
nipple cream
Nipple cream is an ointment for relieving nipple pain and dryness during breastfeeding.
nipple pain
Nipple pain can result from poor latch, dry skin, or infection during breastfeeding.
nursing bra
A nursing bra has front clasps for easy breast access without removing the bra.
nursing frequency
Nursing frequency is how often a baby breastfeeds.
nursing pads
Nursing pads are absorbent pads worn in your bra to catch leaking breastmilk.
nursing pillow
A nursing pillow is a cushion that supports your arms during breastfeeding.
oxytocin
Oxytocin is a hormone known as the “love hormone” that helps trigger the let-down reflex during breastfeeding.
paced bottle feeding
Paced bottle feeding mimics breastfeeding by letting the baby pace milk intake.
plugged milk ducts
Plugged ducts occur when milk flow is blocked, causing pain and a lump.
postpartum anxiety
Postpartum anxiety is excessive worry and fear after childbirth.
postpartum depression
Postpartum depression is intense sadness, anxiety, and/or exhaustion following childbirth.
pumping
Pumping is using a breast pump to extract milk from your breasts.
reflux
Reflux involves stomach contents flowing back up, leading to spitting up.
responsive feeding
Responsive feeding follows baby’s hunger cues instead of a fixed schedule.
secretory activation
Secretory activation, or lactogenesis II, starts 2-4 days after birth, transforming colostrum to mature milk.