9.1c Anatomy and Physiology of Lactation Flashcards

1
Q

Anatomy of Lactation

A
  • Alveoli is the milk producing cells
  • 2:1 ratio of glandular to adipose tissue (1:1 in non-lactating mothers)
  • Size and shape of breast is not accurate indicator of milk production
  • Colostrum is prepartum milk
  • Sebaceous glands protect nipple from mechanical stress of sucking and pathogens
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2
Q

Lactogenesis

A
  • Fall of progesterone stimulates release of prolactin from anterior pituitary
  • Prolactin is highest in the first 10 days of birth
  • Prolactin is produced in response to infant suckling (supply-meets-demand)
  • Oxytocin - Important in milk ejection reflex (MER) or “Let down reflex”
  • MER is triggered by suckling or sights, sounds, odors that mom associates with baby (baby cry)
  • “pins and needles” feeling as milk is ejected
  • Oxytocin is also released during orgasm
  • Fear, Stress, Alcohol can inhibit MER
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3
Q

AfterPains

A
  • Uterine contractions that occur with breastfeeding are painful during first 3-5 days
  • Afterpains are more common in multiparous women and resolve in 1 week
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4
Q

Mothering Hormones

A
  • Prolactin and Oxytocin
  • Affect mothers emotions and physical state in postpartum women
  • Women may feel thirsty and relaxed during breastfeeding
  • Nipple-Erection Reflex is important for breastfeeding for effective latch
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5
Q

Human Milk

A
  • Ideal food for infants
  • Composition changes to meet nutritional and immunologic needs of growing infant
    (Milk of pre-term mother is different from milk of term mother due to different nutritional needs)
  • Contains immunologic protection
  • Promotes colonization of intestinal bacteria
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6
Q

Lactogenesis Stage 1

A
  • Begins at 16-18 weeks of pregnancy

- Starts producing colostrum

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7
Q

Lactogenesis Stage 2

A
  • Begins with birth as progesterone drops and placenta is removed
  • First 2-3 days is colostrum
    (Clear, yellow liquid with antibodies, high protein, low fat)
    (High protein helps binding of bilirubin)
    (Laxative properties to excrete first meconium)
    (Establishes Lactobacillus Bifidus - GI Flora)
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8
Q

Lactogenesis Stage 3

A
  • Transitional Milk (3-5 days)
  • Transition from colostrum to normal milk
  • Milk is fully mature by 10 days
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9
Q

Composition of Breastmilk

A
  • Changes over time as infant grows and develops
  • Fat is the most variable component of breastmilk (gradually increases after each feeding)
    GROWTH SPURTS
  • 10 days, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months
  • More frequent feedings required lasts about 24-48 hours
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