Maitokanava

Maitokanava is a Finnish term that translates to "milk channel" or "milk canal." It is a colloquial and often affectionate term used to describe a natural flow of milk from the breast. While not a formal medical term, it is commonly understood by mothers and healthcare providers in Finland to refer to the let-down reflex, the process by which milk is released from the breast during breastfeeding.

The let-down reflex is a complex physiological response. It is triggered by the baby's suckling, which stimulates nerve endings in the nipple. These signals are sent to the hypothalamus in the brain, which in turn signals the pituitary gland to release oxytocin. Oxytocin travels through the bloodstream to the mammary glands, causing the tiny muscles around the milk-producing alveoli to contract. This contraction pushes milk down the milk ducts towards the nipple, making it available for the baby to drink.

Mothers may feel a tingling or a sensation of fullness when their maitokanava is active. The strength and speed of the let-down can vary between mothers and even from feeding to feeding. Factors such as a baby's cry, the sight or smell of a baby, or even the thought of breastfeeding can sometimes initiate the maitokanava. Understanding this natural process is an important part of the breastfeeding journey for many mothers.