What is lactation?

Lactation describes the secretion of milk from the mammary glands, and nursing describes the process of providing breast milk to the young. This process occurs in all female mammals, and in humans it is commonly referred to as breastfeeding. In humans and most species, milk comes out of the mother's nipples.

Babies have a sucking reflex that enables them to suck and swallow milk. Both babies and mothers gain many benefits from breastfeeding. Breast milk is easy to digest and contains antibodies that can protect infants from bacterial and viral infections. Some of the nutrients in breast milk, such as protein and vitamins, help protect an infant against some common childhood illnesses and infections, such as diarrhea, middle ear infections, and certain lung infections. Research indicates that women who breastfeed may have lower rates of certain breast and ovarian cancers.