Agalactatio is a medical term that refers to the inability to produce enough milk in lactating mothers. The word is spelled phonetically as /ˌeɪɡəlækˈteɪʃioʊ/ and has its roots in the Greek word "agalactia," which means lack of milk. The term is quite rare and mostly used in medical contexts relating to lactation. It is important for new mothers experiencing breastfeeding difficulties to seek medical attention and guidance, as agalactatio can cause complications for both the mother and infant.
Agalactatio refers to a medical condition characterized by the insufficient or inadequate production of breast milk by a lactating woman. It is a term derived from the Greek words "a-" meaning "without" or "not," and "galaktos" meaning "milk."
Agalactatio can occur due to various factors including hormonal imbalances, psychological stress, certain medications, health conditions such as hypothyroidism or polycystic ovary syndrome, improper latch or feeding technique by the infant, or an insufficient number of breast milk-producing cells in the mammary glands.
Symptoms of agalactatio typically revolve around the inability to produce a sufficient amount of breast milk to adequately nourish the infant. These symptoms can include the feeling of insufficient milk supply, poor weight gain in the baby, increased infant crying due to hunger, and signs of dehydration. Additionally, the breasts may not feel full or engorged and there may be an absence of leaking milk or a decreased ability to express milk.
The treatment for agalactatio aims to address the underlying cause and increase breast milk production. This may involve techniques such as frequent breastfeeding or pumping, ensuring proper latch and position during feeding, using herbal remedies or prescribed medications to stimulate milk production, and addressing any potential psychological or hormonal factors. In some cases, the supplementation of breast milk with formula may be necessary to adequately meet the baby's nutritional needs.
It is important for individuals experiencing agalactatio to seek assistance from healthcare professionals, such as lactation consultants or doctors specializing in breastfeeding, who can provide guidance and support tailored to their specific situation.
The word "Agalactatio" originates from the Latin term "agalactia", which itself stems from the Greek word "agalaktia". In Greek, "a-" means "without", and "galaktia" means "milk". Therefore, "agalaktia" refers to the absence or lack of milk production. The term "Agalactatio" is a Latinized version of "agalaktia". This word is predominantly used in medical contexts to describe the condition of a mammal (often a human) being unable to produce or secrete milk.