25 August 2022Mummies who are breastfeeding or about to begin their breastfeeding journey may have heard of prolactin. But, what exactly is prolactin and how does it impact breastfeeding? Keep reading to find out all about prolactin and its significance on your milk supply:
What is Prolactin?
Prolactin is a hormone that is secreted by the pituitary gland, and is present in both women and men at all stages of their life. Prolactin is essential for maintaining reproductive health. It plays a critical role in female reproduction, as it stimulates the production of milk supply in the mammary glands, and helps to regulate the menstrual cycle and fertility. Although prolactin is best known for its role in reproduction, it also has other functions. For example, prolactin is thought to play a role in stress response, immunity, and metabolism.
Prolactin and Pregnancy
Prolactin levels are highest during pregnancy and lactation. It regulates milk production and when prolactin levels increase during breastfeeding, it suppresses ovulation and prevents pregnancy. Although prolactin is important for both pregnancy and lactation, high levels of the hormone can have adverse effects. Elevated prolactin levels can cause headaches, vision problems, and infertility. In severe cases, it can lead to pituitary tumours.
Significance of Prolactin When Breastfeeding
It’s clear that prolactin plays an essential role in the breastfeeding process. Besides stimulating milk production, prolactin also helps the mammary glands to mature and develop, ensuring that they are able to produce high-quality milk. Prolactin also promotes bonding between mummy and baby, and regulates the let-down reflex. Without adequate levels of prolactin, women may experience difficulties with breastfeeding.
When are Prolactin Levels Highest?
Prolactin levels are highest during the night for breastfeeding mothers. This may be because nighttime nursing helps to stimulate prolactin production. Ideally, you should breastfeed or pump at least once at night when you have an abundance of milk supply to prevent engorgement, plugged ducts and to ease discomfort. Over time, you’ll have less night leakage and your breasts won’t feel as full in the morning.
Prolactin levels are also typically highest during the early weeks of breastfeeding and then decreases over time. One of the reasons for this is because prolactin production increases in response to frequent nursing in the early days of breastfeeding, but levels off as breastfeeding becomes more established.
Therefore, if you are breastfeeding and want to boost your milk supply production, nighttime nursing may be a great option since you’re following your body’s natural pattern of producing more prolactin at night!
Tips to Raise Prolactin Levels
At times, mothers may have difficulty producing enough milk due to low prolactin levels. Luckily, there are a few things that can be done to raise prolactin levels and improve milk supply. One simple measure is to nurse more frequently. This sends a signal to the body that more milk is needed, and can help to stimulate the production of prolactin. We understand how mums can get caught up in the busy days of motherhood. But it’s vital to get plenty of rest and relaxation, as stress can lead to lower prolactin levels. By taking these steps, mothers can help ensure that they are able to provide their babies with the nutrition they need.
The best way to raise your prolactin levels is to breastfeed or pump as frequently as possible. When your baby is born, you should try to breastfeed or pump at least every two to three hours around the clock. The more you stimulate your breasts, the more your body will tell you to release prolactin.
On the whole, pumping or latching is essential for any mother who is struggling with low prolactin levels and milk supply.
Boost Your Milk Supply with Lactation Treats
Worried about your prolactin levels and want an additional boost to your milk supply? We’ve got the solution! Marian’s Lactation Boost has a variety of lactation cookies and lactation bakes like muffins, brownies and vegan / allergen free cupcakes that are a delicious way to increase the quantity and quality of your milk supply. Try our full range of lactation and pregnancy treats and discover your favourite goodies to boost milk production now.
