Endocrinology of lactation

Throughout human development, lactation proved to be of paramount importance to the survival, development. and growth of mammalian species. Parturition and lactation are two processes that are closely coordinated. Profound changes in several key hormones occur early in pregnancy and parturition; these prepare and assure milk production by the mammary gland after delivery. The word mammal comes from the Latin word "mamma" which means "resembling milk gland or breast." In the absence of successful lactation or appropriate human intervention, the process of reproduction is a failure because the neonate will not be able to survive. Breastfeeding has been embraced as a way to provide milk to the newborn but equally important, it creates a strong bonding experience between the mother and her newborn child [1]. The past 20 years were characterized by increased efforts to put forward a policy of breastfeeding; however, Societal, cultural transformations. and world epidemics (eg, AIDS) created the context under which large groups of disadvantaged women-whose newborns would benefit most from breastfeeding-are less likely to initiate such behavior. The advantage of breastfeeding over bottle feeding continues to be a subject of debate: however, the benefits of breastfeeding are so well demonstrated that all obstetricians should continue to encourage such conduct if it is not contraindicated medically.