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
Paul G. DonohueWhen 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
David B. Weems… lactation rooms where mothers can express milk for baby.—Shawn Tully
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
Barbara Quick2
: 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
Eastern Milk ProducerExamples of lactation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The first-of-its kind analysis excludes the costs of parental care (like lactation or food provisioning) after eggs are laid or offspring are born, and focuses only on the energy inputs required to create those eggs or offspring.
—Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 16 May 2024
Underwire Many lactation specialists and professionals recommend nursing parents avoid underwire brasduring the initial postpartum period.
—Maya Polton, Parents, 16 May 2024
An ad for lactation cookies is barred from Times Square, Betches is a digital media success story, and GV’s youngest-ever partner launches her own fund.
—Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 13 May 2024
After considering hiring a doula or night nurse who would help feed and care for the baby overnight, Forrest decided a stay at Boram would be akin to hiring a doula, lactation consultant, personal chef, and cleaning person in one space for a fraction of the price, albeit still a significant sum.
—Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 8 May 2024
Some lactation experts say part of the problem is a lack of state licensing of lactation consultants across much of the nation, including in Illinois.
—Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 5 May 2024
Yes, postpartum recovery and lactation are life stages during which your nutritional needs continue to be elevated.
—Alexandra Paetow Ms Rdn, Parents, 15 Apr. 2024
This herbal remedy is often marketed for diabetes and menstrual cramps relief and lactation support.1
Dosage
There's no standard recommendation for fenugreek formulation or dose.
—Cynthia Sass, Mph, Health, 24 Mar. 2024
Your lactation consultant may have strategies to help reduce the friction and pressure that can damage tissue — but if that doesn't help with your pain, reach out to your doctor.
—Macaela MacKenzie, Allure, 5 Apr. 2024
Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 16 May 2024
Underwire Many lactation specialists and professionals recommend nursing parents avoid underwire brasduring the initial postpartum period.
—Maya Polton, Parents, 16 May 2024
An ad for lactation cookies is barred from Times Square, Betches is a digital media success story, and GV’s youngest-ever partner launches her own fund.
—Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 13 May 2024
After considering hiring a doula or night nurse who would help feed and care for the baby overnight, Forrest decided a stay at Boram would be akin to hiring a doula, lactation consultant, personal chef, and cleaning person in one space for a fraction of the price, albeit still a significant sum.
—Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 8 May 2024
Some lactation experts say part of the problem is a lack of state licensing of lactation consultants across much of the nation, including in Illinois.
—Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 5 May 2024
Yes, postpartum recovery and lactation are life stages during which your nutritional needs continue to be elevated.
—Alexandra Paetow Ms Rdn, Parents, 15 Apr. 2024
This herbal remedy is often marketed for diabetes and menstrual cramps relief and lactation support.1
Dosage
There's no standard recommendation for fenugreek formulation or dose.
—Cynthia Sass, Mph, Health, 24 Mar. 2024
Your lactation consultant may have strategies to help reduce the friction and pressure that can damage tissue — but if that doesn't help with your pain, reach out to your doctor.
—Macaela MacKenzie, Allure, 5 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lactation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near lactation
Cite this Entry
“Lactation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lactation. Accessed 28 May. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical 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
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