<P> Benefits for the mother include less blood loss following delivery, better uterus shrinkage, and less postpartum depression . Breastfeeding delays the return of menstruation and fertility, a phenomenon known as lactational amenorrhea . Long term benefits for the mother include decreased risk of breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, and rheumatoid arthritis . Breastfeeding is less expensive than infant formula . </P> <P> Health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), recommend breastfeeding exclusively for six months . This means that no other foods or drinks other than possibly vitamin D are typically given . After the introduction of foods at six months of age, recommendations include continued breastfeeding until one to two years of age or more . Globally about 38% of infants are only breastfed during their first six months of life . In the United States, about 75% of women begin breastfeeding and about 13% only breastfeed until the age of six months . Medical conditions that do not allow breastfeeding are rare . Mothers who take certain recreational drugs and medications should not breastfeed . Smoking, limited amounts of alcohol, or coffee are not reasons to avoid breastfeeding . </P> <P> Changes early in pregnancy prepare the breast for lactation . Before pregnancy the breast is largely composed of adipose (fat) tissue but under the influence of the hormones estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, and other hormones, the breasts prepare for production of milk for the baby . There is an increase in blood flow to the breasts . Pigmentation of the nipples and areola also increases . Size increases as well, but breast size is not related to the amount of milk that the mother will be able to produce after the baby is born . By the second trimester of pregnancy colostrum, a thick yellowish fluid, begins to be produced in the alveoli and continues to be produced for the first few days until the milk "comes in", around 30 to 40 hours after delivery . Oxytocin contracts the smooth muscle of the uterus during birth and following delivery, called the postpartum period, while breastfeeding . Oxytocin also contracts the smooth muscle layer of band - like cells surrounding the alveoli to squeeze the newly produced milk into the duct system . Oxytocin is necessary for the milk ejection reflex, or let - down, in response to suckling, to occur . </P> <P> Not all of breast milk's properties are understood, but its nutrient content is relatively consistent . Breast milk is made from nutrients in the mother's bloodstream and bodily stores . It has an optimal balance of fat, sugar, water, and protein that is needed for a baby's growth and development . Breastfeeding triggers biochemical reactions which allows for the enzymes, hormones, growth factors and immunologic substances to effectively defend against infectious diseases for the infant . The breast milk also has long - chain polyunsaturated fatty acids which help with normal retinal and neural development . </P>

When do u start to get milk in the breast
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