Breastfeeding Glossary of Terms

Breastfeeding Glossary of Terms

Alternate Breast Massage
Breast massage alternated with partner's swallowing.

Alveoli
Tiny glands in the breast which produce milk.

Areola
The dark, circular area surrounding the nipple.

Bonding
Interaction between partners to form a unique and lasting relationship.

Breast Infection
An inflammation of the breast usually resulting from a plugged duct left untreated or a cracked nipple. Also know as mastitis.

Breast Massage
Hand massage of the breast used to facilitate letdown and expression of milk. See Alternate Breast Massage.

Breast Pump
A device used to express milk from the breasts.

Breast Shell
Another name for breast shield or milk cup.

Breast Shield (milk cup)
A hard, round plastic device that is worn in the bra prenatally to correct inverted nipples. It forms a plastic tent over the areola. It encourages flat nipples to protrude during engorgement.

Colostrum
Thick, yellow or clear fluid secreted from breast during pregnancy, and the first few days postpartum before the onset of mature breast milk. It provides nutrients and protection against infectious diseases.

Duct System
A system of tubes through which milk flows from the point of production out to the nipple pores.

Engorgement
Swelling and distention of the breasts that may cause discomfort. It is common during the first week of breastfeeding and caused by vascular dilation as well as the arrival of early milk.

Expression
Extracting milk from the breasts, either by hand or by using a breast pump.

Hand Expression
Removal of milk from the breast by manual manipulation.

Lactation
Breastfeeding; secretion of breast milk.

Leaking
The involuntary release of breast milk.

Letdown reflex
See Milk Ejection Reflex.

Mammary Gland
Breast; gland which secretes milk.

Mastitis
The medical term for a breast infection.

Milk Cup
See Breast Shield.

Milk Ejection Reflex
A conditioned reflex ejecting milk from the alveoli through the ducts to the sinuses. Also known as let-down reflex.

Milk Supply
The quantity of milk a woman produces, usually compared to the partner's requirements for milk.

Nipple
The protruding part of the breast which extends and becomes firmer upon stimulation.

Nipple, blanched
Temporary whitening of the nipple usually as a result of short jaw excursions, improper positioning or an unusual suck.

Nipple, flat
A nipple with a very short shank which does not become erect in response to stimulation.

Nipple, inverted
A nipple which remains retracted, both when at rest and upon stimulation.

Nipple Pore
Outside opening through which breastmilk flows.

Nipple Shield
An artificial latex or silicone nipple used over the mother's nipple during nursing.

Nipple Roll
A nipple correction technique in which the nipple is gently rolled with the thumb and forefinger.

Non-Nutritive Sucking
Sucking without swallowing.

Nutritive Sucking
Swallowing milk with each suckle.

Obstructed Duct
Blockage in a milk duct caused by accumulated milk or cast-off cells.

Relactation
Process by which a woman who has given birth but did not initially breastfeed is stimulated to lactate (also applies to reinstituting lactation after it had been discontinued).

Scissor Hold
Forming the nipple by holding the areola between the first two fingers of the free hand.

Sinus (lactiferous)
Enlarged portion of the duct where breastmilk pools during letdown. It lies directly behind the areola and connects to nipple pore.

Suck
To draw fluid into the mouth by forming a partial vacuum with the lip and tongue.

Suckling
The entire process of breastfeeding, including sucking, compression of areola with jaws, seal with lips, tongue massaging milk out of the sinuses.

Supply and Demand
The process by which the partner's suckling or other stimulation (i.e., hand expression or pumping) controls the amount of milk produced.

Thrush
A fungal infection of the mouth characterized by white patches and ulcers; candida infection may also occur on a woman's nipples.

Note: All information is general in nature and is not intended to be used as a substitute for appropriate professional advice.

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