Anatomy of the Breast and Physiology of Breastfeeding Flashcards
(30 cards)
What are the 3 stages of Lactation?
Lactogenesis 1, 2 and 3.
What is Lactogenesis 1?
Breast development and colostrum production from approximately 16 weeks gestation.
What is Lactogenesis 2?
Onset of copious milk secretion, occurring between 32 and 96 hours after birth.
What is Lactogenesis 3?
Maintenance of milk production.
What are the lobules (alveoli) of the breast?
Clusters of specific glands that produce milk when a woman is lactating
What is the Lactiferous Duct?
It carries the milk secreted by the lobules through the breast tissue to open at the nipple.
What are Montgomery’s Tubercles?
They appear on the areola and secrete a sebum to lubricate the area and to entice the baby to the breast. This sebum is also antiseptic.
What are Lactocytes?
Milk producing cells (Acini cells).
What are Myoepithelial cells?
Cells which squeeze the milk down ducts.
During pregnancy, the ductal system and alveolus develop under the influence of which hormones?
Oestrogen, Progesterone and hPL.
What are the 2 main breastfeeding hormones?
Prolactin and Oxytocin.
What is prolactin responsible for?
Milk Production
What is Oxytocin responsible for?
Milk Ejection
What is the Prolactin Response?
Baby suckles at breast
Sensory impulses pass from nipple to brain.
Prolactin is secreted from anterior pituitary and goes via bloodstream to breasts
Acini cells then produce milk
What is the Prolactin Receptor Theory?
As baby suckles and brain releases prolactin, the prolactin primes receptor cells to switch on and become acini cells. The more early frequent surges of prolactin there are, the greater the number of receptor sites will be primed, This maximises long term milk supply.
What is the Oxytocin reflex?
Baby suckles at breast
Sensory impulses pass from nipple to brain
Oxytocin secreted by posterior pituitary goes via bloodstream to breasts.
Myo-epithelial cells contract and expel milk into lactiferous ducts. This is known as ‘Let Down Reflex’.
What is Feedback Inhibitor of Lactation (FIL)?
It is produced by lactocytes. As the alveoli distend, there is a build up of FIL and milk synthesis is inhibited. When breastmilk is effectively removed, FIL levels will fall and milk synthesis will increase.
What are the benefits of skin to skin?
Calms baby
Regulates baby’s heartrate, respiratory rate and temperature
It stimulates the baby to seek the breast
Prepares mother for mothering.
What are the benefits of breastfeeding for babies?
Protects against;
Gastroenteritis Respiratory infections Allergies Obesity Type 1 and 2 Diabetes Ear Infections Urinary Tract Infections NEC SIDS
What are the benefits of breastfeeding for mothers?
Protects against;
Breast Cancer Ovarian Cancer Hip Fractures Heart Disease PP Haemorrhage PND
Name some of the constituents of breastmilk that are not found in formula.
Growth Factors Lymphocytes Stem Cells Immunoglobulins Leukocytes Oliggosaccharides
What is high in density and low in volume?
Colostrum
What are the changes in the breasts during pregnancy?
At 4 weeks, many women experience tingling and tenderness.
At 12 weeks increase in size of breasts - may appear marbled.
At 13 weeks areola and nipple may darken and enlarge, Montgomery’s tubercles become noticeable.
At 16 weeks, some women will start secreting colostrum.
Name 4 common challenges of breast feeding.
Sore nipples. Thrush. Engorgement. Mastitis.
