What is prolactin?

Prolactin is a special chemical messenger in your body that helps make milk. Imagine your body is like a big, busy kitchen. In this kitchen, prolactin is the head chef. When a baby is born, the chef gets a big order: "Make milk!" The chef tells the milk-making glands to start working hard.

Think of prolactin like a light switch for your milk glands. When you are not pregnant, the switch is mostly off. But during pregnancy, the switch flips on and stays on. This tells your body to produce milk for the baby to drink. It is not magic; it is just a signal, like a text message from your brain to your chest.

Fun fact: This same chemical also helps you feel calm and happy when you hold your baby.

Prolactin does other jobs too. It helps grow hair and keeps your bones strong. Think of it as a multitasking helper. If you have a headache or feel tired, sometimes prolactin levels are not balanced, just like if the kitchen chef is too busy or takes a break. Doctors check these levels to make sure the "kitchen" is running smoothly. It is all about keeping your body ready to care for a new life.