Breast Development/Physiology

Question 1

Is pregnancy protective against breast cancer?

Answer 1

Yes (however, for a few years after there is increased risk, the RR is below 1 ~20 years after 1st birth)

Question 2

Is breastfeeding protective against breast cancer?

Answer 2

Yes

Question 3

What is the AAP stand on breastfeeding?

Answer 3

All newborns should be breastfed for 6 months

Question 4

What are the newborn benefits of breastfeeding?

Answer 4

Nutrition

Health

Question 5

What are the maternal benefits of breastfeeding?

Answer 5

Decreased postpartum bleeding
More rapid uterine involution
Increased child spacing
Earlier return to pre-pregnancy weight

Question 6

What is the major component that comprises the breast in a lactating woman vs a non-lactating woman?

Answer 6

Lactating- glandular tissue

Non-lactating- adipose tissue

Question 7

What is the embryologic origin of the breast?

Answer 7

Ectoderm (primary bud into secondary bud)

Question 8

Macroscopic development of the breast during puberty is due to the accumulation of what type of tissue?

Answer 8

Adipose

Question 9

What hormone regulates ductal growth during the menstrual cycle?
What hormone regulates alveoli growth during the menstrual cycle?

Answer 9

Ducts- E2

Alveoli- progesterone

Question 10

What is the source of progesterone during the menstrual cycle?

Answer 10

Corpus luteum- if egg implants will continue to secrete progesterone until week 10 when the placenta becomes the primary source

Question 11

Impaired gonadal maturation can result in breast hypoplasia, how is this treated?

Answer 11

Estrogen

Question 12

Aside from progesterone, what other hormone aids in formation of mature alveoli?

Answer 12

Prolactin

Question 13

What hormone inhibits milk secretion?

Answer 13

Progesterone

Question 14

What 3 hormones regulate lactation?

Answer 14

Progesterone- fall at parturition initiates secretion
Prolactin- maintain milk synthesis/secretion
Oxytocin- stimulates milk ejection

Question 15

A woman has a small amount of placenta left behind following a birth. Will she be able to breastfeed?

Answer 15

No- placenta produces enough progesterone to prevent milk secretion

Question 16

A baby suckling leads to inhibition of what neurons in the hypothalamus?

Answer 16

Dopaminergic- increases prolactin

suckling also leads to increased oxytocin

Question 17

What vitamin must be given to infants who are exclusively breast fed?

Answer 17

Vitamin D

Question 18

Failure to start breastfeeding shortly after birth leads to decreased prolactin signaling leading to decreased milk synthesis/secretion. What population is this a particular problem for?

Answer 18

Women that deliver preterm infants

Question 19

Does obesity reduce a woman’s capacity to breastfeed?

Answer 19

Yes