A-Z Guide to Breastfeeding and Breast Pumping

Wrens Comprehensive A-Z Guide to Breastfeeding and Breast Pumping Terminology

A - Alveoli: Tiny milk-producing glands in the breast.

Areola: The dark area of the breast around the nipple aiding in breastfeeding.

B - Biological Nursing: A relaxed breastfeeding position for comfort and bonding.

Blocked Milk Ducts: Tubes in the breast that can become obstructed, affecting milk flow.

C - Cluster Feeding: Periods where a baby feeds frequently for extended durations.

Colostrum: The initial nutrient-rich milk produced in the first days postpartum.

Colostrum Harvesting: Collecting colostrum prenatally for various purposes like supplementing newborn feeding.

D - Diaphragm: A breast pump accessory creating suction to express milk effectively.

E - Engorgement: Feeling of fullness and tenderness due to increased milk supply.

Extended Breastfeeding: Continuing breastfeeding beyond the age of one for health benefits.

F - Foremilk: The initial milk released during a feeding session.

Flange: Part of a breast pump that fits over the breast for effective suction.

G - Galactagogues: Foods or herbs believed to boost milk supply.

H - Hindmilk: The richer, calorie-dense milk released later in a feed.

I - Inverted Nipple: A condition where the nipple retracts instead of protruding outward.

J - Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin due to elevated bilirubin levels.

K - Kangaroo Care: Skin-to-skin contact promoting bonding and warmth.

L - Latching On: Baby attaching correctly to the breast for feeding.

Let-Down Reflex: Hormonal response triggering milk release during breastfeeding.

M - Mastitis: Inflammation of breast tissue often due to blockages.

N - Nipple Shield: Device aiding in latching and soreness during breastfeeding.

O - Oxytocin: Hormone responsible for milk let-down and maternal bonding.

P - Power Pumping: Technique to increase milk supply through intensive pumping.

Q - Quiet Time: Periods of relaxation between feeds for parent and baby well-being.

R - Rooting Reflex: Newborn instinct to seek out the breast for feeding.

S - Sore Nipples: Discomfort in the nipple area from improper latch or friction.

T - Tongue Tie: Condition restricting tongue movement during feeding.

U - Upright Position: Comfortable feeding posture holding the baby upright.

V - Valves: Components regulating suction in breast pumps.

W - Wet Nursing: Historic practice of breastfeeding another woman's child.

X - Xanthoma: Fatty deposits possibly appearing during lactation.

Y - Yield: Amount of milk expressed during pumping sessions.

Z - Zinc Deficiency: Lack of zinc affecting milk production.