Experimental Physiology
HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced]


     

Experimental Physiology 84.2 pp 435-447
© The Physiological Society 1999
This Article
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Kent, J.
Right arrow Articles by Hartmann, P.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Kent, J.
Right arrow Articles by Hartmann, P.
Experimental Physiology, Vol 84, Issue 2, 435-447
Copyright © 1999 by The Physiological Society

Article

Breast volume and milk production during extended lactation in women

JC Kent, L Mitoulas, DB Cox, RA Owens, and PE Hartmann

Quantitative measurements were made of relative breast volume and milk production from 1 month of lactation until 3 months after weaning, and the storage capacity of the breasts was calculated. The increase in breast tissue volume from before conception until 1 month of lactation was maintained for the first 6 months of lactation (means+/-S.E.M.) (190.3+/-13.1 ml, number of breasts, nb = 46). During this period of exclusive breast-feeding, 24 h milk production from each breast remained relatively constant (453.6+/-201 g, nb = 48), and storage capacity was 209.9+/-11.0 ml (nb = 46). After 6 months, breast volume, milk production and storage capacity all decreased. There was a relationship between 24 h milk production and the storage capacity of the breasts, and these both appeared to be responding to infant demand for milk. At 15 months of lactation, the 24 h milk production of each breast was substantial (208.0+/-56.7 g, nb = 6), even though the breasts had returned to preconception size. This was associated with an apparent increased efficiency of the breast (milk production per unit breast tissue) after 6 months, which may have been due to redistribution of tissues within the breast. The possible causes of the decrease in breast volume are discussed.


This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
 J Hum LactHome page
P. J. Martens and L. Romphf
Factors Associated With Newborn In-Hospital Weight Loss: Comparisons by Feeding Method, Demographics, and Birthing Procedures
J Hum Lact, August 1, 2007; 23(3): 233 - 241.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 PediatricsHome page
J. C. Kent, L. R. Mitoulas, M. D. Cregan, D. T. Ramsay, D. A. Doherty, and P. E. Hartmann
Volume and Frequency of Breastfeedings and Fat Content of Breast Milk Throughout the Day
Pediatrics, March 1, 2006; 117(3): e387 - e395.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J Hum LactHome page
J. C. Kent, D. T. Ramsay, D. Doherty, M. Larsson, and P. E. Hartmann
Response of Breasts to Different Stimulation Patterns of an Electric Breast Pump
J Hum Lact, May 1, 2003; 19(2): 179 - 186.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 J Hum LactHome page
L. R. Mitoulas, C. T. Lai, L. C. Gurrin, M. Larsson, and P. E. Hartmann
Efficacy of Breast Milk Expression Using an Electric Breast Pump
J Hum Lact, November 1, 2002; 18(4): 344 - 352.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 J Hum LactHome page
M. D. Cregan and P. E. Hartmann
Computerized Breast Measurement from Conception to Weaning: Clinical Implications
J Hum Lact, June 1, 1999; 15(2): 89 - 96.
[PDF]


HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
Copyright © 1999 by the The Physiological Society.