![]() ![]() The increase in volume is accompanied by a marked increase in the vascular supply to the breast the dilated subcutaneous mammary veins become prominent, and the blood flow increases twofold. This increase in overall breast volume amounts to approximately 3/4 lb (0.338 kg) per breast. Under the influence of uninterrupted and rising concentrations of estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin during pregnancy, the breast increases in water, electrolyte, and fat content. Before pregnancy, the breast is predominantly adipose tissue without extensive glandular or ductal development. This process begins when the mammary gland is exposed to estrogen at puberty and is completed during the third trimester of pregnancy. ![]() Mammogenesis is the process of growth and development of the mammary gland in preparation for milk production. It is only with an understanding of the physiologic basis of human milk production and the rapidly expanding body of data regarding human milk that practicing physicians can properly educate and help their patients toward a healthier and more satisfying early mothering experience. The significant nutritional differences between human breast milk and cow's milk or cow's milk formulas, the unique immunologically active components of human breast milk, the psychological benefits to mother and infant, the decreased expense and effort necessary for breast-feeding, and the possibility of reducing the incidence of fibrocystic disease and protecting the nursing mother against subsequent development of breast and ovarian carcinoma are but a few of the areas of current investigation and interest. ![]() There has also been a renewed interest in the scientific investigation of human milk, and these studies have demonstrated its many unique properties. The lack of proper means for sterilization of artificial milk formulas, coupled with the fact that many substances important to an infant's resistance to infection are missing from these formulas, resulted in significant increases in early infant mortality and morbidity in these countries. The reawakening to the benefits of breast-feeding has been heightened by the devastating effects of attempts to switch from traditional breast-feeding methods to formula feeding in developing nations. However, with the emphasis on natural foods and natural processes in the 1970s, there was a renewed interest and resurgence in breast-feeding. The frequency of breast-feeding in the United States and other highly developed nations of the world diminished greatly from the 1950s through the latter half of the 1960s. The advantages and disadvantages of breastfeeding have been debated for many years. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |