Important Breast Feeding Terms
Beginning breast feeding introduces a woman to an entire new vocabulary. Find out what people are talking about when they say "latch-on" or "let-down."
AREOLA: the darker area surrounding the nipple
BREAST ABSCESS: swollen inflamed area of the breast in which pus collects
COLOSTRUM: the nutrient rich fluid in the breasts before breast milk comes in
ENGORGEMENT: a condition in which the breasts become overly full of milk causing them to appear shiny and hard
INVERTED NIPPLES: nipples that are drawn inward causing difficulty for the baby when trying to grasp the areola properly
LACTATION CONSULTANT: a specialist in breastfeeding who can assess problems and assist mothers in proper positioning and attachment
LA LECHE LEAGUE: an organization whose goal is to provide support and information about breastfeeding
LATCH-ON: how the baby attaches to the nipple and areola
LET-DOWN REFLEX: a reflex causing the milk to flow down the breast to the nipple from where it is created and stored
MASTITIS: an infection of the breast
MILK DUCTS: tubes in the breast through which milk flows
OXYTOCIN: a hormone which stimulates milk flow and causes the uterus to contract
POSITIONING: the way an infant is held while breastfeeding causing him or her to latch-on in a specific way
PUMPING: the way in which milk is expressed from the breast either manually or with a breast pump
ROOTING REFLEX: a reflex newborns have which causes them to turn toward the breast and open their mouths
THRUSH: a yeast infection in the breast called Candida albicans which can be passed to the baby in the breast milk
