Polygalactia

Polygalactia (from Greek polys- many and gala- milk), the increased functional capacity of the mammary glands. A good wet nurse nursing one child gives about 1 liter of milk. But the productivity of the mammary glands can be increased within certain, purely individual limits depending on the demand placed on them. Wet nurses who nurse several children often give 2-3 liters of milk per day for extended periods, provided with adequate nutrition. Such an increase in milk secretion can also be achieved by systematic expression of milk from the breasts. In exceptional cases, the daily amount of milk can reach 4-5 liters for several months. Such cases of mammary gland productivity far exceeding physiological amounts have been described by various authors. The record in this regard belongs to a case described by the Zurich physician Brodsky (see Lactation).