Pediatr. praxi. 2021;22(3):184-188 | DOI: 10.36290/ped.2021.035

The role of olfactory cues in lactation onset

Mgr. Jitka Třebická Fialová, Ph.D., Mgr. Lenka Kysilková, Mgr. Lenka Martinec Nováková, Ph.D., doc. Mgr. Jan Havlíček, Ph.D.

Národní ústav duševního zdraví, Klecany

The initiation of lactation is a complex process influenced not only by physiological processes and mother's behaviour, but also by newborn's activity. Apart from various tactile, visual, and gustatory cues, a key role in breast localisation is played by olfactory cues originating from breast milk and areola glands secretion. The main aim of this review is to summarise the current knowledge about the role of chemical communication between a mother and her infant related to the initiation of lactation and suggest a possible clinical use of odours in postnatal care. For instance, to soothe distressed newborns, enhance feeding and improve their health status, especially in infants experiencing breastfeeding problems or pre-term ones. The odour of breast milk and breast of lactating females (particularly the infant's own mother) has a soothing effect on newborns, but it also increases an appetitive oral activity in a context-dependent manner. Specific positive responses are elicited by the secretion of Montgomery glands' regardless of the newborns' prior postnatal experience. These odours may thus play a role in the coordination of neonatal actions towards the breast and the initiation of lactation.

Keywords: smell, newborn, areola, breast milk, Montgomery glands, premature delivery.

Published: October 14, 2021  Show citation