lactation

noun

lac·​ta·​tion lak-ˈtā-shən 

plural lactations

1

: the production and secretion of milk by the mammary glands

… there may be overproduction of prolactin, the breast milk hormone. A sign of that might be abnormal lactation.

—Paul G. Donohue

When a doe kids and begins lactation, she must draw on the calcium stored in her bones to furnish enough blood calcium for milk production.

—David B. Weems

… lactation rooms where mothers can express milk for baby.

—Shawn Tully

… the infants of mothers given the names of lactation support groups or individuals instead are more likely to be fully breast-feeding at four months.

—Barbara Quick

2

: one complete period of lactation extending from about the time of birthing to weaning

… cows fed 1.1 percent bicarb in the total ration produced an average 17,587 lbs. of milk per lactation …

—Eastern Milk Producer

lactational

lak-ˈtā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

lactational mastitis

Examples of lactation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid using ashwagandha, as there isn't enough evidence on the safety of this supplement during pregnancy or lactation. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 4 Dec. 2024

During normal lactation, calcium is stripped from bones to support the production of milk, leading to a reduction in bone mass and density. —Bycatherine Offord, science.org, 10 July 2024

However, if any of these issues continue beyond a few days or get worse, seek help from a health care provider or lactation consultant. —Donna Murray, Rn, Parents, 30 July 2024

Other medical occupation certificates offered at SCC include behavior technician, care giver/personal aid, lactation educator specialist and medical billing. —Lou Ponsi, Orange County Register, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1837, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

lactation

noun

lac·​ta·​tion lak-ˈtā-shən 

1

: the secretion and yielding of milk by the mammary gland

2

: one complete period of lactation extending from about the time of parturition to weaning

lactational

-shən-ᵊl 

adjective

lactationally

-ē 

adverb