Girls (more accurately, women) breast milk primarily to nourish their newborn babies. This process, called lactation, is a natural biological function.
The Biological Basis of Breast Milk Production
Lactation is triggered by hormonal changes during and after pregnancy. Here's a simplified breakdown:
- Hormonal Initiation: During pregnancy, hormones like prolactin increase, preparing the breasts for milk production.
- Milk Production: After childbirth and the expulsion of the placenta, prolactin levels surge, triggering the mammary glands in the breasts to produce milk.
- Milk Ejection (Let-Down Reflex): The baby's suckling stimulates the release of oxytocin, which causes the muscles around the milk ducts to contract, pushing the milk out.
Reference: "The primary reason people lactate is to feed a baby. Lactation is a biological, hormonal response that occurs during and after pregnancy to feed a newborn baby. Your body triggers specific hormones to initiate milk production and ejection (releasing of milk)."
Benefits of Breast Milk for Babies
Breast milk provides optimal nutrition for infants, containing antibodies and other beneficial substances that help protect them from illness.
In summary
Women lactate to provide nourishment for their newborn infants. Lactation is a natural, biologically driven process initiated and maintained through hormonal actions, particularly prolactin and oxytocin, that occur in response to pregnancy and the needs of the infant.