Witch's milk
Witch's Milk
Witch's milk (pronounced: /ˈwɪtʃɪz mɪlk/), also known as neonatal milk, is a term used to describe the milk-like substance that is sometimes secreted from the nipples of newborn infants.
Etymology
The term "witch's milk" originates from old folklore beliefs. It was thought that witches would come and steal this milk from the infants for use in their magic potions. The medical term, "neonatal milk", is derived from the Greek words 'neos' meaning new, and 'natal' meaning relating to birth or origin.
Definition
Witch's milk is a natural phenomenon that occurs in approximately 5% of newborns, both male and female. It is caused by the mother's hormones that are still present in the baby's system after birth. These hormones can stimulate the baby's mammary glands, causing them to produce a small amount of milk-like substance.
Related Terms
- Mammary gland: The organ in mammals that produces milk to feed young offspring.
- Hormones: Chemical messengers that are secreted directly into the blood, which carries them to organs and tissues of the body to exert their functions.
- Neonate: A term for a newborn child, particularly during the first 28 days after birth.
See Also
- Galactorrhea: A condition in which a woman's breast secretes milk or a milk-like substance when she is not breastfeeding.
- Prolactin: A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a vital role in the production of milk.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Witch's milk
- Wikipedia's article - Witch's milk
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