Lactopoiesis ( lat. Lactopoesis ) - the process of maintaining lactation after it has already begun.
For normal lactopoiesis, a prerequisite is the processes that occur in the glandular tissue during pregnancy .
This is manifested by a change in the ratio of epithelial, connective tissue and fat components in the mammary gland . The proportion of adipose tissue decreases, the density of connective tissue swells and decreases, vascularization intensifies and hypertrophy of the alveoli and ducts occurs. These changes occur under the influence of hormones .
The process of lactopoiesis is supported by breastfeeding with the help of neurohormonal reflexes due to sucking. The reflex arc begins at the sensitive receptors of the nipples and areoles . From there, through the neurons of the spinal cord, the signal enters the hypothalamus . In the hypothalamus, the production of oxytocin and other octapeptides, as well as extra-pituitary hormones and hormones of the adenohypophysis, which support lactation, is launched .