Anatomy Of Breast / Lactation / Skin To Skin Flashcards
How is milk made? And how does it work?
Lactogenesis
Milk is synthesised in the acini cells under prolactin
Milk is synthesised from glucose and amino acids in the blood stream
Milk is secreted from the acini cell, across the cell membrane, into the lumin of the alveoli
What is initiation of lactation?
Prolactin is released from the anterior pituitary gland
Prolactin is produced in pregnancy, but milk production is suppressed by oestrogen and progesterone
Once placenta is birthed, and oestrogen and progesterone drop, the prolactin activates milk production in the acini cells
Levels are higher at night time
Released when baby suckles
What does the milk/prolactin cycle look like?
Baby suckles
Sensory impulses pass from the nipple to the brain
Prolactin secreted by pituitary gland goes via bloodstream to the breasts
Acini cells produce milk
- more is secreted at night
- suppresses ovulation
- level peaks after the feed, to produce milk for the next feed
What is the prolactin receptor theory?
Prolactin receptor sites open when placenta delivered
Prolactin surges ‘prime’ sites to begin milk production
Receptor sites start to close if not primed
Skin contact and lots of feeds in early days increase potential for long-term milk production
What are the barriers for breastfeeding?
Education
Pain and associated conditions
Economical and political decisions
Societal expectations
What is UNICEF baby friendly initiative (BFI)?
BFI enables public services to support families with feeding and developing relationships with their baby
Transfer of immunoglobulins to support baby’s immune system
IgM, IgA, IgD, IgG, IgE
IgM: present in breastmilk, increases responsiveness to vaccine compared to formula fed babies
IgA: first line of defence that invade humans from mucosa. Coats gut wall and protects mucosal surfaces against entry of pathogens
IgD: combats disease without causing inflammation
IgG: transfers across placenta and through breastmilk, therefore passive immunity will be maintained
IgE: small quantities of breastmilk for a longer period than in cow’s milk
What is so special about human milk?
As it hasn’t been pasteurised it has live microbes, which are essential for colonising the baby with healthy bacteria
Protects the baby’s gut - newborns have a ‘leaky’ gut which harmful bacteria can latch on to
Why does breast feeding matter to the mum?
Natural form of protection against breast and ovarian cancer, heart disease and osteoporosis. Temporarily reduces fertility
Why does breastfeeding matter to the baby?
Natural form of protection against a range of illnesses including infection, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
