BREASTFEEDING BASICS
Breastfeeding terms

alveoli: tiny glands in the breast that produce milk

areola: the dark, circular area surrounding the nipple

breast pads: cloth or disposable paper pads worn inside the bra to protect clothing from leaking milk

breast shell: a hard plastic dome with ventilation holes that is worn inside the bra between breast feedings. Sometimes recommended for women with sore, flat or inverted nipples

breast shield: the portion of the collection cup that is placed over the breast when using an electric pump

colostrum: often called the "first milk," colostrum is produced in the breasts just before and during the first days after giving birth; it is high in protein and immune factors that are important for the newborn baby

cracked nipple: a nipple that has a crack or fissure

demand feeding: feeding a baby whenever he is hungry, rather than making him wait for a set time

engorgement: overfullness of the breast caused by the coming in of the milk or not emptying the breasts frequently and completely

feeding tube: a tube inserted into the stomach through the nose or mouth for feedings

flat nipple: a nipple that is flat with the contour of the breast and protrudes slightly when stimulated

foremilk: the milk that is released during the first minute or two of pumping or nursing. It has less fat and fewer calories than the hindmilk

hindmilk: the milk that is released after the first minute or two of pumping or nursing. It has more calories and fat than the foremilk. This richer milk may need to be collected separately from the foremilk

intravenous: through a vein, such as when a baby is fed intravenously

inverted nipple: a nipple that withdraws back into the breast rather than becoming erect after the areola is pressed

kangaroo care: holding a baby on your chest, also called skin-to-skin contact. This is encouraged in some premature and intensive care nurseries once it is safe for the baby to be handled

lactation consultant: a person trained to provide information about and support for breastfeeding before and after the baby’s birth, to counsel women with breastfeeding problems and to train health care providers

latching on: the initial taking-in by the baby of the nipple and areola area

letdown: milk release from the breast triggered by nipple stimulation or as a conditioned response (e.g., hearing a crying baby, thinking about the baby)

mastitis: breast infection characterized by fever and chills as well as red streaks, pain and tenderness in the breast

milk drip: when milk is given to a baby at a slow and steady rate around the clock through a feeding tube inserted into his stomach

milk sinus: the enlarged area in the breast duct system just behind the nipple where milk collects

Montgomery glands: small raised areas around the nipple. The glands enlarge during pregnancy and lactation and secrete a fluid that lubricates the nipple and keeps it clean

nipple shield: a thin plastic shield that covers the areola and nipple during nursing. The baby nurses through the shield

oxytocin: a hormone that stimulates the release of milk from the alveoli and stimulates the uterus to contract

plugged ducts: blockage in a milk duct caused by accumulated milk or castoff cells

practice nursing: having a baby suck at the breast after the mother pumps or expresses her milk. Used for bonding and just prior to the initiation of breastfeeding in hospitalized infants

prolactin: the hormone that stimulates breast development and formation of milk during pregnancy and lactation

rooting: the natural instinct of the newborn to turn his head and reach with his mouth in the direction of any touch on the cheek or lips