New River Medical Center

colostrum - a fluid in the breasts that nourishes the baby until the breast milk becomes available. Colostrum contains fats, carbohydrates, white blood cells, protein, and antibodies.

international board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) - a nurse or other healthcare provider specially trained to help women with breastfeeding.

mastitis - a breast infection.

milk let-down (Also called milk-ejection reflex) - the reflex stimulated by an infant's suck that moves breast milk from the milk-producing cells into the milk sinuses near the areola.

prolactin - a hormone that stimulates the production of breast milk.

rooting - when a newborn turns his/her head toward touch near the mouth.

sucking reflex - the reflex that is stimulated when the roof of the baby's mouth is touched.