Which hormone stimulates the production of milk in breastfeeding mothers?

The hormone that stimulates the production of milk in breastfeeding mothers is prolactin. This hormone is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland in response to the release of hormones that signal the onset of lactation. Prolactin promotes the development of mammary glands and stimulates milk synthesis, ensuring that the mother can provide nutrition for her newborn.

In the context of breastfeeding, after childbirth, the levels of prolactin increase significantly, helping to establish and maintain milk supply. This process is crucial for the mother-infant bonding experience and the nutritional needs of the infant. Without adequate levels of prolactin, milk production would be insufficient to support breastfeeding.

Other hormones listed, while related to the reproductive system and lactation, have different roles. Oxytocin, for example, is primarily involved in the milk ejection reflex rather than milk production itself, facilitating the release of milk during breastfeeding. Estrogen and progesterone also play essential roles in pregnancy and preparing the breast tissue for lactation, but they are not responsible for directly stimulating milk production.