Why do I still have milk after 1 year?

Understanding Prolonged Milk Production
The phenomenon of still having milk after a year can be attributed to several biological and physiological factors related to lactation. Lactation is the process through which milk is produced and released from the mammary glands, typically initiated after childbirth. While most women experience a gradual decrease in milk production as they wean their infants, some may continue to produce milk for an extended period.
Factors Influencing Milk Production
1. Hormonal Regulation: The primary hormones involved in milk production are prolactin and oxytocin. Prolactin stimulates milk synthesis, while oxytocin is responsible for milk ejection. If a woman continues to stimulate her breasts through breastfeeding or pumping, prolactin levels can remain elevated, leading to ongoing milk production even after a year.
2. Breastfeeding Patterns: The frequency and intensity of breastfeeding or pumping sessions play a crucial role in maintaining milk supply. If a mother continues to nurse or pump regularly, her body may respond by producing more milk, regardless of the age of the child.
3. Individual Variation: Each woman’s body responds differently to the demands of lactation. Some may have a naturally higher capacity for milk production, which can lead to prolonged lactation. Factors such as genetics, overall health, and nutritional status can also influence this.
4. Delayed Weaning: In some cases, mothers may choose to continue breastfeeding beyond the typical weaning age, which can sustain milk production. Cultural practices and personal preferences often dictate the duration of breastfeeding, leading to variations in how long milk is produced.
Implications of Prolonged Lactation
While extended milk production can be a natural occurrence, it may also raise questions about the nutritional needs of the child. For children over one year, transitioning to cow’s milk or other sources of nutrition is generally recommended, as breast milk alone may not provide all the necessary nutrients for growth and development. However, breast milk continues to offer valuable antibodies and nutrients that can benefit toddlers, making it a personal choice for many families.
In conclusion, the presence of milk after a year is a complex interplay of hormonal, physiological, and individual factors. Understanding these elements can help mothers navigate their breastfeeding journey and make informed decisions about their child’s nutrition.

Why do I have breast milk after 1 year?

Galactorrhea sometimes indicates an underlying health condition, but is most often caused by too much prolactin. Prolactin is a hormone that triggers milk production. It’s made by your pituitary gland, a gland at the base of your brain.

Why won’t my breast milk go away?

Some people may stop producing milk over just a few days. For others, it may take several weeks for their milk to dry up completely. It’s also possible to experience let-down sensations or leaking for months after suppressing lactation. If your breast milk comes back in without any reason, talk with your medical team.

What happens to your hormones when you stop breastfeeding?

As breastfeeding ends, both prolactin and oxytocin levels will lower – and so may your mood and sense of wellbeing. It may last a few days, or it may go on for longer.

Is breast milk still good after 12 months?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, breastmilk can be stored 6-8 hours at room temperature (up to 77 degrees), 8 days in the refrigerator (39 degrees or colder), 6-9 months in a freezer (0 degrees or colder), and 12 months in a deep freezer (-4 degrees or colder).

Does milk supply decrease after 1 year?

Sometimes, your milk production slowly lessens until you’re not making as much as your baby needs. Other times, you may be returning to work or just feeling like it’s the right time to stop. If you decide to wean after extended breastfeeding, your toddler may be more resistant.

Why is my breast not removing milk?

Speak to your breastfeeding consultant, midwife or health care provider if you are experiencing pain from blocked ducts. Some causes of blocked ducts and mastitis include: Short or infrequent breastfeeds. Not removing the milk from part or all of the breast properly.

At what age is breastfeeding no longer beneficial?

Breastmilk or infant formula should be your baby’s main source of nutrition for around the first year of life. Health professionals recommend exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, with a gradual introduction of appropriate foods in the second 6 months and ongoing breastfeeding for 2 years or beyond.

Is breast milk still beneficial after 1 year?

The importance of breastfeeding for the growth and health of infants in the first year of life is well-established and there is convincing evidence that breastfeeding beyond 12 months has a positive influence on a child’s health and development [2,3].

Is it normal to still produce milk after a year?

It usually takes several weeks for your breasts to completely stop producing milk after you stop breastfeeding. Some women continue to produce milk up to 2 years after they have stopped breastfeeding. Contact your GP if you’ve stopped breastfeeding and: you’re still producing a lot of milk.

Why does milk come out when I squeeze my nipples?

This is called idiopathic galactorrhea. It may mean that your breast tissue is particularly sensitive to the milk-producing hormone prolactin in your blood. If you have increased sensitivity to prolactin, even normal prolactin levels can lead to galactorrhea.