World Breastfeeding Week: Breastfeeding is more than just feeding. It is a vital process of bonding, comfort, and trust between a mother and her newborn. It also plays a key role in the development of the infant and the wellbeing of the mother. While it is a natural process, understanding how lactation unfolds can make the journey smoother, especially for new mothers.

Breastfeeding is not meant for only feeding; it is also for bonding, giving comfort, and building a relation of trust from the very first time with the newborn. It is a natural process that supports both infant development and maternal health. Understanding the stages of lactation will help new mothers prepare for breastfeeding with knowledge and clarity.

Stage 1: Mammogenesis – Preparing the Body for Milk

Lactation begins even before the baby arrives. The first stage, known as Mammogenesis, starts during pregnancy. “The first one being, Mammogenesis, begins while the woman is pregnant, the hormones like oestrogen and progesterone stimulate the growth of breast tissues. This prepares the body to produce milk but holds on to actual secretion until after delivery,” explains Dr. S. Satyamanasa Gayatri Vinay, SRM Global Hospital, Chennai.

This stage is essentially about preparing the body to make milk, although milk itself is not produced yet. The hormonal activity ensures that the breast tissues are ready to take on the role once the baby is born.

Stage 2: Lactogenesis – From Colostrum to Milk

The second stage, Lactogenesis, occurs in two parts. “Lactogenesis I starts around the 16th week of pregnancy and continues until birth. During this stage, the breast produces colostrum, which is a thick, yellow, antibody-rich fluid that protects newborns from infections,” says Dr. Gayatri.

Colostrum is often referred to as the baby’s first vaccine. It is incredibly dense in nutrients and immune factors. After birth, the second part of this stage begins. “Lactogenesis II begins 2–3 days after delivery, with progesterone dropping and prolactin rising to the occasion; it signals the mother’s system to begin producing mature breast milk, perfect to nourish and comfort her newborn,” she adds.

During this time, many mothers may notice a fullness or warmth in their breasts, which is a sign that mature milk is being produced.

Stage 3: Galactopoiesis – The Supply-and-Demand Phase

Essentially, the more the baby nurses, the more milk the body will produce. It is a beautifully tuned supply-and-demand system.

The Role of Early Feeding and Skin-to-Skin Contact

Managing Challenges and Supporting the Mother

Like any new experience, breastfeeding may come with a few hiccups. "Issues such as delayed milk flow or sore nipples can be managed with proper latching of the baby, gentle massage, or lactation consultant support,” she advises. Seeking the right support early can make a world of difference for the mother.

Physical and emotional wellbeing are also key. “Keeping the mother’s body hydrated, a balanced diet with nutrients, a good amount of rest, and emotional support from close people – all of these contribute to improved breastfeeding. Stress can affect milk production, so a calm, supportive environment is important for the mother and the newborn,” Dr. Gayatri says.

Each phase of lactation serves a specific purpose, and understanding this journey empowers mothers to approach breastfeeding with confidence. From the early days of colostrum to the rhythm of regular feeds, it is a process that nurtures not just a baby’s body but the bond between mother and child.

Gallbladder attacks are not just uncomfortable; they can be severely painful, debilitating, and disruptive to daily life. Recovery requires careful attention to diet, hydration, and gentle self-care to prevent further episodes and support proper healing. Gallbladder and Fatty Liver Nutritionist Olivia Haas knows this firsthand, having endured back-to-back attacks for two months.

“I wish I had known what I am about to teach you now,” she shares an Instagram post. But first, an important disclaimer: if you suspect a gallstone is blocking your bile duct, get help immediately. “Seek urgent care if your pain does not stop, or if you notice dark urine, jaundice, or fever,” warns Haas. These symptoms can signal a serious complication that requires medical attention.

What should you do after a gallbladder attack? Haas says to think of it like having a stomach flu. “Your body has been through a lot and needs to rest. The gallbladder is sensitive, so what you do in the days after can either help it heal or set off another attack.”

Here is her 8-step post-attack plan:

1. Say Goodbye to Trigger Foods

For at least two weeks after an attack, Haas advises avoiding foods that can send your gallbladder into meltdown. That means fried and greasy foods, dairy, high-fat meats, avocado, nuts, sugar, and vegetable oils. It is not forever, but right now you need to bring down the inflammation.

2. Skip the Restaurants

No matter how tempting it is to order sushi or grab a tasty takeaway, Haas says eating out post-attack is risky business. You do not always know what oils they are using, and even small amounts can cause a flare. Instead, keep meals homemade for two weeks, so you have full control over ingredients and cooking methods.

3. Hydrate Well Enough

Post-attack, hydration is crucial. She recommends drinking plenty of water and including electrolytes to help with what she calls the ‘gallbladder hangover’, that sluggish, drained feeling after an episode. Your bile needs water to flow properly, so think of each sip as lubrication for your digestive system.

4. Stretch Your Gallbladder Meridian

Haas recommends doing a gallbladder meridian stretch, a gentle movement from traditional Chinese medicine aimed at stimulating bile flow and releasing tension along the gallbladder’s pathway. It is not a magic cure, but it supports the body’s natural healing. And honestly, any excuse to lie on the floor and stretch is a win.

5. Apply Heat

The day after an attack, applying gentle heat to the area can be comforting and help relax muscles, according to Haas. A hot water bottle or heating pad works perfectly.

6. Eat Flu Diet

This is not the time for raw salads or greasy burgers. Haas swears by soft, easy-to-digest foods that are low in fat but nourishing. She calls it the flu diet – soups, broths, and gently cooked grains. These foods go easy on the digestive system, allowing the gallbladder to recover without overexertion.

7. Keep Snacks Fresh and Light

When hunger strikes, Haas suggests reaching for fruits and vegetables instead of processed snacks. Not only are they easier to digest, but they also deliver fibre, antioxidants, and hydration. Snacking on cucumber slices or berries will not overwork your gallbladder, but crisps probably will.

8. Eat Small, Frequent Meals

Haas says the final key to post-attack recovery is to keep meals small but regular — around 4 to 6 times a day. Large meals demand more bile all at once, which can stress the gallbladder. Smaller portions, eaten more often, give your body a steady fuel supply without the digestive overload.

Haas’s Two-Week Gallbladder Reset

Having endured chronic attacks herself, Haas developed a two-week meal plan specifically for post-attack recovery. It is designed to reduce biliary inflammation and lower the risk of back-to-back attacks. The plan is packed with soothing soups, gentle proteins, and low-fat, nutrient-rich meals – basically, gallbladder comfort food.

She calls it a “kickstart nutrition plan for when the gallbladder is feeling sensitive”. And judging by her own experience, it is not just theory; it is a survival guide written by someone who has lived it.

Actress Eva Amurri recently dropped some real talk on Instagram, showing off her post-breast reduction transformation, and honestly, it is as much about the pain relief as it is about the new look. Six months after going from a 32F/G to a 32C, Eva joked that her back actually hurts just looking at her “before” photos. Ouch. But that is the kind of pain no one misses.

The Big Weight Off Her Shoulders, Back, and Neck

Having very large breasts is not just a style challenge; it is a full-on physical pain. Imagine carrying a heavy backpack all day, except it is attached to your chest. It can leave you with chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain.

A breast reduction surgery is performed to remove excess breast tissue and reshape the area to something more manageable. Eva is thanking her for the weight relief. No wonder her back screams when she sees the old photos; reportedly, her body has been on a whole different level of stress.

What Does The Recovery Look Like?

Eva was upfront about recovery too. Contrary to what you might expect, she says it was not a marathon of misery but a manageable process. Sure, she has those “anchor scars”, but thanks to a scar-minimising routine her surgeon set her up with, they are fading fast.

And then there is the bruising phase, because what is healing without it? Eva shared how seeing her body all bruised and battered was strangely tough, making her pause and be kind to herself. Surgery is no picnic, mentally or physically, even when you know it is for the best.

Mind, Body, and Self-Love

What is refreshing about Eva’s story is how she does not sugarcoat the mental side of things. Healing is not just about the body patching itself up; it is a chance to practise kindness and patience with yourself. Bruises fade, scars heal, and eventually, you start feeling like you again.

Breast reduction is often seen as purely cosmetic, but Eva’s experience flips the script. It is about ditching the pain and reclaiming your freedom to move, wear what you want, and live without the nagging reminder of discomfort.

The Science of Shedding the Weight

By surgically removing excess breast tissue, fat, and skin, the procedure takes a chunk of weight off the front of your body. This immediately lightens the load your back and neck have been battling for years.

Less weight means less pull on your shoulders, which means your spine can relax into its natural, happy alignment. Without that constant forward drag, your muscles are not screaming for mercy anymore. The result is relief from those nagging aches and pains that just would not quit.

Plus, breast reduction can even ease nerve compression caused by all that weight pressing down, which means fewer shooting pains or numbness in your arms and hands.

Post-surgery, while your body is busy patching itself up, it is also rewiring itself to handle your new, lighter load. Your muscles, ligaments, and even your brain get a chance to reset. And that is why patients often say their posture improves and pain drops dramatically after recovery.

Eva’s post reminds us that sometimes, less really is more. Less weight dragging you down, less pain in your back and neck, and more comfort and confidence in your own skin.

Azoospermia is not exactly headline news, probably because it affects only about 1 per cent of men. So if you have not heard of it before, you are not alone. But azoospermia is a condition where a man’s ejaculate contains no measurable sperm. While semen, the fluid released during ejaculation, is still present, the absence of sperm means natural conception becomes difficult or impossible. It can affect men of all ages and comes from a mix of causes, from physical blockages to genetics.

There is a lot going on behind the scenes, and not all azoospermia cases are created equal. Here is what you need to know about the condition.

Three Types of Azoospermia

Sperm are being made just fine, but there is a roadblock somewhere on their route. The sperm get stuck and cannot reach their destination. This is the most common kind, affecting roughly 40 per cent of folks with azoospermia.

2. Testicular (Nonobstructive) Azoospermia:

Here, your testicles are not making enough sperm or any at all, maybe due to damage or a structural issue.

3. Pretesticular (Also Nonobstructive) Azoospermia:

Your testicles look fine, but the hormonal signals telling them to get cracking are out of sync or missing.

What Causes This Sperm Shortage?You would not usually spot azoospermia until baby-making plans hit a snag. Some might notice side effects like lower sex drive or lumps in the testicles, but often it is a silent issue.

Here is what can cause those sperm roadblocks, according to reports:

The Blockages (Obstructive Causes)

• Testicle injuries or knocks
• Infections like epididymitis
• Past surgeries down there
• Retrograde ejaculation
• Cysts or random growths
• Vasectomy
• Genetics, like cystic fibrosis mutations messing with the sperm highways

Factory or Boss Problems (Nonobstructive Causes)

• Genetic syndromes like Klinefelter’s or Y chromosome deletions
• Low testosterone, weird prolactin levels, you name it
• Varicocele
• Certain medications that don’t play nice with sperm production
• Radiation, chemotherapy, or nasty toxins
• Missing or undescended testicles
• Orchitis
• Lifestyle choices: too many hot tubs, booze binges, or drug misuse

How Do Docs Figure Out What’s Happening?

• Medical history: injuries, surgeries, infections, meds, family history of infertility
• Physical exam, paying close attention to your precious bits
• Blood tests to check hormone levels
• Ultrasounds or X-rays
• Genetic tests if needed
• Sometimes even brain scans if hormone controls might be off

Can You Fix It?

Some azoospermia cases do have fixes.

• Blockages? Surgeons might clear or reconnect those sperm highways.
• Hormone hiccups? Doctors can prescribe treatments to get those signals back on track.
• No sperm production but sperm hiding in the testicles? A clever needle can retrieve them for IVF or ICSI.
• If it is genetic, genetic counselling can help you understand the risks and options.

Will Sperm Make a Comeback?

The million-dollar question: will those sperm return? If the problem is a blockage and surgery goes well, yes, sperm can show up in the semen again. But if your testicles cannot make sperm because of permanent damage or genetics, the chances shrink.