Alternate Breast Massage

Breast massage alternated with infant's swallowing.

Alveoli

Tiny glands in the breast which produce milk.

Antibody

A protein substance which combines with an antigen to form the basis of immunity.

Areola

The dark, circular area surrounding the nipple.

Bili Light

Fluorescent light used to treat jaundice.

Bilirubin

A byproduct of the breakdown of the hemoglobin portion of red blood cells.

Bonding

Interaction between parents and infant to form a unique and lasting relationship.

Breast Infection

An inflammation of the breast usually resulting from a plugged duct left untreated or a cracked nipple. Also know as mastitis.

Breast Massage

Hand massage of the breast used to facilitate letdown and expression of milk. See Alternate Breast Massage.

Breast Pump

A device used to express milk from the breasts.

Breastmilk Substitute

Infant formula.

Breast Shell

Another name for breast shield or milk cup.

Breast Shield (milk cup)

A hard, round plastic device that is worn in the bra prenatally to correct inverted nipples. It forms a plastic tent over the areola. It encourages flat nipples to protrude during engorgement.

Colic

Extreme fussiness in the baby which is characterized by a piercing cry, severe abdominal discomfort and inability to be comforted. This occurs most of the time infant is awake.

Colostrum

Thick, yellow or clear fluid secreted from breast during pregnancy, and the first few days postpartum before the onset of mature breast milk. It provides nutrients an dprotection against infectious diseases.

Duct System

A system of tubes through which milk flows from the point of production out to the nipple pores.

Engorgement

Swelling and distention of the breasts that may cause discomfort. It is common during the first week of breastfeeding and caused by vascular dilation as well as the arrival of early milk.

Expression

Exracting milk from the breasts, either by hand or by using a breast pump.

Feeding Tube Device (supplemental nutrition device)

A method of supplementing while breastfeeding. A plastic bottle or bag filled with breastmilk or formula hangs from a string around Mom's neck. Thin, soft plastic tubes lead from the bottle to Mom's nipples. Baby takes tube into his mouth along with the nipple. Commercially available devices are LactAid and Supplemental Nutrition System.

Frenulum

Fold or mucous membrane under the tongue, attaching it to the floor of the mouth.

G.E. Reflux (gastroesophageal reflux or GER)

A spontaneous return of the stomach contents into the esophagus; may or may not include regurgitation; infants have hearburn and are fussy during and between feedings.

Growth Spurt

A period of sudden growth in the baby when the baby nurses more frequently than usual. Common at three weeks, sixtoeight weeks, three months and six months.

Hand Expression

Removal of milk from the breast by manual manipulation.

Human Milk Fortifier

A product added to breastmilk that contains protein, vitamins and minerals, commonly used with premature infants.

Jaundice

A yellow coloring of the tissues, membranes and secretions due to the presence of bile pigments (bilirubin) in the blood.

Jaundice, breastfeeding

Normal physiologic jaundice made worse by inadequate caloric intake.

Jaundice, breast milk

A type of neonatal jaundice caused by an unknown factor in the mother's milk.

Jaundice, physiologic

A common type of neonatal jaundice resulting from the normal breakdown of red blood cells and the delay in removing their byproducts from the bloodstream. It appears by the third day of life.

Lactation

Breastfeeding; secretion of breast milk.

Leaking

The involuntary release of breast milk.

Letdown reflex

See Milk Ejection Reflex.

Malaise

Discomfort, uneasiness, "flulike" symptoms often due to infection.

Mammary Gland

Breast; gland which secretes milk.

Mastitis

The medical term for a breast infection.

Milk Cup

See Breast Shield.

Milk Ejection Reflex

A conditioned reflex ejecting milk from the alveoli through the ducts to the sinuses. Also known as letdown reflex.

Milk Supply

The quantity of milk a woman produces, usually compared to the baby's requirements for milk.

Nipple

The protruding part of the breast which extends and becomes firmer upon stimulation.

Nipple, blanched

Temporary whitening of the nipple usually as a result of short jaw excursions, improper positioning or an unusual suck.

Nipple, flat

A nipple with a very short shank which does not become erect in response to stimulation.

Nipple, inverted

A nipple which remains retracted, both when at rest and upon stimulation.

Nipple confusion

See Nipple Transfer Problem.

Nipple Pore

Outside opening through which breastmilk flows.

Nipple Shield

An artificial latex or silicone nipple used over the mother's nipple during nursing.

Nipple Roll

A nipple correction technique in which the nipple is gently rolled with the thumb and forefinger.

Nipple Transfer Problem

Difficulty in suckling resulting from alternating between breast and bottle feeding which requires two completely different physical actions.

Non-Nutritive Sucking

Sucking without swallowing.

Nutritive Sucking

Swallowing milk with each suckle.

Obstructed Duct

Blockage in a milk duct caused by accumulated milk or castoff cells.

Postpartum

The 6 week period following childbirth.

Premature

Infant born before 37 weeks gestation.

Pyloric Stenosis

Narrowing of the opening between the stomach and duodenum (bowel). Frequently presents with projective vomiting and poor weight gain.

Relactation

Process by which a woman who has given birth but did not initially breastfeed is stimulated to lactate (also applies to reinstituting lactation after it had been discontinued).

Rooting Reflex

The natural instinct of the newborn to turn his head toward the stimulation when touched on the cheek.

Saline Nose Drops

Can be purchased or made at home with 1 cup water to 1/4 teaspoon salt; 23 drops in each nostril used in infant's nose before feedings relieves nasal congestion.

Scissor Hold

Forming the nipple by holding the areola between the first two fingerse of the free hand.

Sinus (lactiferous)

Enlarged portion of the duct where breastmilk pools during letdown. It lies directly behind the areola and connects to nipple pore.

Spitting Up

Baby expelling small amount of milk from the mouth during or after feedings; common in most babies.

Suck

To draw fluid into the mouth by forming a partial vacuum with the lip and tongue.

Suckling

The entire process of an infant breastfeeding, including sucking, compression of areola with jawas, seal with lips, tongue massaging milk out of the sinuses.

Supplemental Nutrition Device

See Feeding Tube Device.

Supplementation

Anything given in addition to breast milk.

Supplementary Bottle

A routine bottle given in addition to breastfeeding.

Supply and Demand

The process by which the baby's suckling or other stimulation (i.e., hand expression or pumping) controls the amount of milk produced.

Swaddle

Wrapping the baby, confining his arms and legs to inhibit the startle reflex and provide a feeling of warmth and security.

Thrush

A fungal infection of the mouth characterized by white patches and ulcers; candida infection may also occur on mother's nipples.

Vomiting

Expelling the contents of the stomach with force.

Vomiting, projectile

Violent expulsion of the contents of the stomach with enough force to send it five feet or more.

Weaning

Discontinuation of breastfeeding by substituting other nourishment.