Applied Breastfeeding

Question 1

The value of breastfeeding

Answer 1

Mother: natural form of protection against breast/ovarian cancer and heart disease
Baby: natural form of protection against illness e.g. diabetes and obesity
Society: mitigates effects of poverty and promotes health equity

Question 2

Human milk vs formula

Answer 2

Constituents of breastmilk change as the baby grows
Breastmilk contains live microbes as isn’t pasteurised so colonises the baby with healthy bacteria
Human milk coats the gut to prevent harmful bacteria colonising
Treats “leaky gut”

Question 3

Immunoglobulins in breastmilk

Answer 3

IgM: present in breastmilk, increases responsiveness to vaccines
IgA: first line of defence against pathogens, coats the gut wall to protect against bacteria
IgD: combats disease without causing inflammation
IgG: transfers across the placenta and through breastmilk, passive immunity is maintained
IgE: small quantities in breastmilk over a long period of time, implications unknown

Question 4

Barriers to breastfeeding

Answer 4

1) lack of education
2) formula industry
3) pain and associated conditions e.g. mastitis and sore nipples
4) societal expectations

Question 5

The impact of BFI

Answer 5

BFI transformed health care for babies and their families and enables Bette services to support feeding families
It also develops the standards for nurses and students

Question 6

Key features of the breast surface

Answer 6

• nipple
• nipple ducts
• aromatic
• montgomerys tubercles

Question 7

The 9 stages of neonatal behaviour immediately after birth

Answer 7

1) birth cry
2) relaxation
3) awakening
4) activity
5) rest
6) crawling
7) familiarisation
8) suckling
9) sleep

Question 8

The physiological and hormonal change during skin to skin

Answer 8

Stimulates the release of prolactin and oxytocin
Calms the mother and baby
Regulates the baby’s temperature and heart rate
Stimulates breast seeking behaviour
Endorphin release

Question 9

Safe facilitation of skin to skin

Answer 9

1) place naked baby on mothers bare chest
2) only done is both mother and baby are well enough
3) ensure baby’s head is turned so they can breathe
4) use dry blankets to maintain baby’s temperature

Question 10

Safe facilitation of laid back breastfeeding

Answer 10

1) lay baby across mothers abdomen
2) gravity works with the baby’s innate reflexes

Question 11

The role of oxytocin in breastfeeding

Answer 11

• releases milk
• works on muscle cells to expel milk
• pulsatile action
• levels are higher when baby is near
• temporarily inhibited by stress
• stimulates feelings of love and well being

Question 12

The role of prolactin in breastfeeding

Answer 12

• produces milk
• the order for milk to be sent to both breasts even if only one is stimulated
• explains why local control is needed
• early frequent access is required for milk production to be stimulated and maintianed
• triggered trough touch
• produces calmness and reduces stress
• stimulates mothering behaviour

Question 13

The role of FIL

Answer 13

• secreted as a part of milk
• build up of FIL blocks milk production
• recovering FIL allows milk production

Question 14

The role of colostrum in breastfeeding

Answer 14

• concentrated nutrition
• packed with protective factors
• only produced in small volumes
• has a laxative effect&raquo_space;> clears meconium

Question 15

Changes of the breast during puberty

Answer 15

• Sexual dimorphism breast development: happens under the influence of sex hormones
• Breast development is usually the 1st secondary sex characteristic
• Occurs between the ages of 8.5-13.5
• Ductal development, branching and lobular development occurs
• Nipple size increases, primary areolar becomes pigmented
• Cyclical changes occur

Question 16

Changes of the breast during pregnancy

Answer 16

• Glandular development under the influence of progesterone
• Ductal development under the influence of oestrogen
• Colostrum is synthesised but lactation is suppressed under the influence of placental hormones