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lactation
(lak-ta´shәn)
the secretion of milk by the breasts; it is thought to be brought about by action of progesterone and estrogen and specific
pituitary hormones, such as lactogenic hormone (prolactin). It does not begin until at least 3 days after the birth of the
baby; before that, and immediately after birth, the breast secretes colostrum.
the period of weeks or months during which a woman is lactating and a baby can be breast-fed; see breastfeeding.
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