position & attachment Flashcards
(18 cards)
How should you introduce yourself to Robyn?
Introduce yourself – name and designation, confirm request for information on hand expression, ask if this is ok, inquire about her knowledge on hand expressing.
What are the structures of the breast identified using a model?
Key structures include:
* Nipple (erectile tissue)
* Areola (darker pigmented skin)
* Montgomery Tubercles (dimples producing sebum)
* Fatty supportive tissue
* Alveoli (milk-producing cells)
* Myoepithelial cells
* Lactiferous ducts
What hormone stimulates milk production and where is it produced?
Prolactin hormone, produced in the anterior pituitary gland.
What physiological changes occur to initiate milk production after delivery?
Drop in oestrogen and progesterone after placenta delivery allows prolactin to increase, ramping up milk production.
Name three ways to stimulate effective milk production.
- Early feeding after birth
- Good positioning and attachment
- Good emptying of the breast at each feed
What hormone is responsible for the ‘let down reflex’?
Oxytocin.
Where is oxytocin released from?
Posterior pituitary gland.
What cells does oxytocin act on and what is its effect?
Acts on myoepithelial cells, causing them to contract and propel milk into the lactiferous duct.
What factors help release oxytocin?
- Close contact with the baby
- Hearing the baby cry
- Seeing the baby
- Smelling the baby
What factors can hinder the release of oxytocin?
Separation from the baby and lack of close contact.
What is the whey protein involved in autocrine production of breastmilk?
Feedback inhibitor of lactation (FIL).
How does the Feedback inhibitor of lactation (FIL) function?
It accumulates in the breast as it fills with milk, sending messages to the brain to stop milk production.
How should Robyn prepare herself for breastfeeding?
- Be seated comfortably
- Ensure privacy
- Use the toilet beforehand
- Have necessary items handy
- Be responsive to feeding cues
What are some suitable positions for breastfeeding?
- Across the body
- Rugby hold
- Side lie position
- Laidback position (biological nurturing)
What does the CHINS acronym stand for in positioning baby at the breast?
Close, Head free, In line, Nose to nipple, Sustainable position.
What are the steps taken to attach the baby to the breast?
- Baby’s mouth should be wide open
- Lead with chin, looking upwards
- Bottom lip touches the breast
- Aim nipple to the back of the mouth
What are the signs of good attachment while breastfeeding?
- Full mouth and rounded cheeks
- Lower lip curled out
- Chin pressed against breast
- Rhythm of sucking changes
- Minimal noise and no leaking milk
How can Robyn know if her baby has had enough milk?
- Frequency of feeds: 8-12 times in 24 hours
- Duration: 5-40 minutes per feed
- Signs of satisfaction between feeds
- Wet and dirty nappies
