lactnetters: I have a question that will seem very elementary but I am struggling with understanding the mechanisms which control milk supply...how the supply and demand system works. I have read on here and in the Riordan and Auerbach text that a lactating woman's body produces more milk as a result of the breasts being emptied and not as a direct result of nipple stimulation. I understand that sucking stimulates certain nerve pathways which send signals to the hypothalmus and then the pituitary gland which causes an increase in prolactin and a resulting increase in milk production. So, how does the emptying of the breast fit into this other than the fact that they were emptied as a result of sucking and nipple stimulation. I am missing something. I did read that the alveoli cells collapse as milk is withdrawn....does this serve as some type of message to the pituitary to increase milk production? I want to incorporate this into a lecture i am giving next week so any comments/explanations would be most appreciated. -Laura [log in to unmask] Laura Aldag, M.S.,R.D. Assistant in Extension "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed its the only thing that has" Margaret Mead