Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding, also known as nursing, is the feeding of infants with milk from a woman's breast. During pregnancy, high levels of estrogen and progesterone increase prolactin production by the anterior pituitary gland, but downregulate prolactin receptors in the mammary gland and block it from increasing milk production. However, when the placenta is removed and estrogen and progesterone levels quickly fall, prolactin is able to stimulate production of milk for the newborn. 

Breastfeeding difficulties are common post-partum. Inadequate milk production in the mother or poor milk extraction by the infant are the commonest causes. The second most common cause is nipple and breast pain from engorgement, nipple injury, vasoconstriction, plugged ducts, or galactoceles. Breast infections like lactational mastitis and yeast infection also occur. Bloody nipple discharge in the first week of lactation is common and not a cause of alarm unless it lasts more than a week. Infant factors like ankyloglossia, uncoordinated suck, torticollis, and cleft lip and/or palate may also cause breastfeeding difficulties.