Explain The Role Of Oxytocin, Prolactin And FIL With Reference To The Initiation And Maintanencd Of Lactation And Mother-infant Bonding

Question 1

Explain prolactin receptor theory. What affects prolactin binding?

Answer 1

This is a theory suggesting how prolactin primes to the receptor sites.

Expulsion of placenta opens receptors sites. Unprimed receptors sites shut down, reducing potential for milk production.

Skin contact and lots of feeds in early days increase potential for long term milk production

The prolactin receptor sites are attached to lactocytes.

When the placenta is in the body, it stops prolactin from binding to receptors.

Question 2

Explain oxytocin role in lactation

Answer 2

Oxytocin works on myoepithelial cells to expel milk. It causes the muscle to contract.

It causes a pulsating action to cause the milk come out in pulses to help with baby’s suck and swallow gaps

Induces feelings of love and well being

Levels are higher when baby is near

Can be temporarily inhibited by stress. Cortisol and oxytocin have a seesaw relationship.

Creates a feeling of well-being.

Question 3

Explain endogenous vs synthetic oxytocin

Answer 3

Endogenous (our natural) oxygen crosses the blood brain barrier. It evokes the feeling of love and protectiveness
It’s stimulated by nurture and touch

Synthetic oxytocin does not cross the blood brain barrier. It does not evoke the same feels of love and protectiveness.

Question 4

Explain milk ejection reflex

Answer 4

Milk ejection reflex also known as Neuro-endocrine reflex or ‘let down’ reflex

Tactile stimulation of the breast stimulates releases of oxytocin from the posterior pituitary

Oxytocin stimulates contraction of the myoepithelial cells surrounding the alveoli

Milk is forced into the lactiferous ducts

Initially it’s unconditioned reflex, however later becomes a condition reflex.

Question 5

What part of the brain is oxytocin released from?

Answer 5

Posterior pituitary gland

Question 6

What part of the brain is prolactin released from?

Answer 6

Anterior pituitary gland

Question 7

Explain FIL (feedback inhibitor of lactation)

Answer 7

FIL is a protein that is secreted as part of milk.

Build up of FIL blocks milk production

Removing FIL allows milk production

Question 8

How does the body control lactation

Answer 8

Endocrine control (hormone) —> pituitary gland —> oxytocin milk ejection (for this feed) —> prolactin milk production (for next feed) —>systemic (both breasts)

Autocrine control —>feedback inhibitor of lactation —> builds up inhibits production —> removal stimulates production —>Local (one breast)