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

Avoid kombucha during pregnancy and lactation, and for children, those with alcohol use disorder, those with liver conditions, or those taking specific medications. —Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 18 Sep. 2024

Elevated prolactin levels outside of pregnancy and lactation may indicate a medical condition. —Wendy Wisner, Health, 2 Aug. 2024

Startup Work & Mother creates shared lactation suites in corporate buildings. —Kelsey Butler, Fortune, 4 Sep. 2024

For example, the mammary gland is able to regenerate with each cycle of reproduction and lactation. —Gat Rauner, The Conversation, 13 Aug. 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