The process of producing and secreting milk from mammary glands, typically occurring in female mammals after giving birth. The period during which milk is produced for feeding offspring.
From Latin 'lactatio' from 'lactare' meaning 'to suckle' or 'give milk,' derived from 'lac, lactis' meaning milk. The term entered English in the 17th century through medical terminology.
Humans are among the few mammals that can continue lactating for years if nursing continues, while most animals stop producing milk once their young are weaned. The composition of milk changes throughout lactation, with early colostrum being incredibly rich in antibodies.
Like lactating, lactation became conflated with motherhood and womanhood historically, limiting women's participation in other roles and reducing complex personhood to biological function.
Use as a clinical/biological process. Avoid implying it defines identity or capability in non-reproductive contexts.
["milk production","nursing","infant feeding"]
Lactation science and infant nutrition are fields where women researchers and healthcare providers have made critical contributions; credit this expertise.
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