Breastfeeding

Question 1

What two hormones are produced when the baby is put to the breast, and how do they act to promote breastfeeding?

Answer 1

Prolactin - nipple stimulation may decrease dopamine release & therefore increase prolactin production, stimulating milk production

Oxytocin - nipple stimulation triggers posterior pituitary to release oxytocin, which causes contraction of myoepithelial cells in breast resulting in milk ejection (let down)

Question 2

What is the impact of gestational weight gain on postpartum milk (quantity & quality)?

Answer 2

No impact

Question 3

Which two vitamins are not found in adequate quantities in breast milk?

Answer 3

Vitamin K

Vitamin D

Question 4

Which type of maternal antibodies are secreted in breast milk?

Answer 4

IgA