Feedback inhibitor of Lactation (FIL) is a protein in breast milk that regulates how much milk is produced. FIL levels increase when breasts are full, which slows milk production.When milk is removed from the breasts, FIL levels decrease, and milk production resumes.
How FIL works
Full breasts: When breasts are full, FIL levels increase, which slows milk production. Empty breasts: When breasts are empty, FIL levels decrease, which allows milk production to resume.
Supply and demand: FIL levels determine how much milk is produced based on how much milk the baby consumes or haw much milk you pump.
Why FIL is important
FIL helps protect breasts from the negative effects of being too full.
FIL helps regulate milk production after lactation has been established.
FIL helps ensure that the amount of milk produced matches the baby's needs.
Other factors that affect milk production
Storage capacity: The amount of milk that can be stored between feedings.
Stress: Stress hormones like cortisol can inhibit the release of oxytocin, which is needed to deliver milk.
Feedback control of milk secretion from milk
PubMed
The physiological basis of breastfeeding - Infant and Young Child ...
2.6. ... Milk production is also controlled in the breast by a substance called the feedback inhibitor of lactation, or FIL (a pol...
NCBI
Establishing and increasing your milk supply - The Breastfeeding Network
By contrast, when your breasts become very full or engorged, a protein called feedback inhibitor of lactation (FIL) tells your bod...
The Breastfeeding Network
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This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional.
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