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Glossary
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Labour
The process of childbirth, from the dilation of the cervix to the delivery of the baby and the placenta.
Labour suite/room
The labour suite is where a woman goes through labour and delivers her baby. If the mother is staying in hospital, she will then be transferred to a postnatal ...
Lactation
The production of breast milk and the time period during which a mother secretes milk from her breasts for her baby.
Lactation Consultant
A healthcare professional who supports mothers when breastfeeding, preventing and resolving any breastfeeding problems.
Lanugo
Down-like, fine hair on a foetus. Lanugo can appear as early as 15 weeks of gestation, and typically begins to disappear sometime before birth.
Latching on
To "latch on" to the breast, a baby needs to open their mouth wide. When a baby latches successfully, they will feed from the breast and not just the ...
Let-down
The process whereby milk begins to flow while breastfeeding. This can be stimulated by a baby's suckling or even the baby's cry. Let-down can cause the milk to spray ...
Lightening
This occurs when a foetus positions itself lower in the pelvis during the last few weeks of pregnancy.
Lightweight pushchair
These are pushchairs which are especially lightweight and simple to use. Perfect for shopping, travelling and holidays, those with a full lie-back can be used for newborn babies. They ...
Linea nigra
A dark line running from below the breasts, over the abdomen and over the navel; it can develop during pregnancy. It often fades after delivery but does not always ...
Lochia
The vaginal discharge of mucus, blood and tissue, which may continue for up to six weeks after delivery.
Low birth weight
A full-term baby who weighs less than 5.5 pounds/3 kilogrammes at birth.