What is the primary role of prolactin in breastfeeding?

Prolactin plays a vital role in the production of milk in breastfeeding. It is a hormone released by the anterior pituitary gland, and its primary function is to stimulate the mammary glands to produce milk. During pregnancy, elevated levels of prolactin prepare the breasts for milk synthesis, and upon childbirth, when the placenta is expelled, the sudden drop in progesterone allows prolactin to exert its full effect on milk production.

This hormone ensures that as the infant suckles, adequate milk is produced to meet the baby's needs, sustaining breastfeeding and supporting the infant’s growth and nutrition. Prolactin levels remain elevated during breastfeeding and are crucial for initiating and maintaining lactation, thereby directly linking the physiological process of breastfeeding to hormonal regulation.

Understanding the role of prolactin is essential for grasping how breastfeeding works and why hormonal balance is important for successful lactation.