Kathy:  That question is a good one, and it's people asking those kinds
of questions that get more research stimulated.  Although I'm no expert
on the physiology, I'll take a stab at an answer.  From what I read, the
prolactin levels for the first several weeks are high and gradually
dropping with time.  The prolactin that is released during suckling is an
extra burst over and above the already high level.  However, in between
feedings, there is still plenty of prolactin around (for an excellent
picture of this, see Riordan and Auerbach's "Breastfeeding and Human
Lactation".  Hope this helps.  Alicia.  [log in to unmask]