A question came up during my study group last night and we were hoping someone could
clarify for us...

We understand that oxytocin is responsible for MER and that oxytocin can be released
without suckling (as evidenced by spontaneous MER's w/out a baby at the breast).

We also understand that prolactin is responsible for milk production and that prolactin
is only released in response to the baby's suckling at the breast (Lawrence, page71).

Furthermore, it has been stated that the majority of milk is produced *during* a
feeding, which would follow if the prolactin is released during suckling and is
necessary for milk production.

So, the question is...why do women become full between feedings (or over-full if a
feeding is skipped)?  If there is no baby at the breast, there is no release of
prolactin and, therefore, no production of milk.  Where is that milk coming from?

Thanks,

Kathy Koch, LLL Leader
[log in to unmask]
***NEW EMAIL ADDRESS**
Alexandria, VA