Breast feeding

Question 1

4 stages of lactation

Answer 1

1. Colostrum
2. Transitional milk
3. Mature milk
4. Involutional milk

Question 2

Mammary gland development (during pregnancy..)

Answer 2

oestrogen and progesterone stimulate mammary gland development.

Prolactin prepares mammary alveoli for milk production

Question 3

Hormonal triggers for milk synthesis

Answer 3

after childbirth, the drop in oestrogen and progesterone levels allows prolactin to stimulate milk synthesis.

Oxytocin, triggered by suckling facilitates milk ejaculation.

Question 4

what promotes milk synthesis

Answer 4

Prolactin promotes the synthesis of milk components within mammary alveoli.

Lactose, lipids, proteins and immune factors are produced and secreted into mammary ducts.

Question 5

Milk ejection (what causes milk ejection)

Answer 5

Oxytocin stimulates myoepithelial cells to contract causing milk to be ejected from alveoli into ducts, facilitating its availably for the infant

Question 6

Feedback mechanism

Answer 6

Feedback mechanism (positive feedback loop), primarily involving prolactin inhibition by dopamine and oxytocin release during suckling

Question 7

Breast milk is a

Answer 7

dynamic fluid that adapts to changing needs of the infant

Question 8

Breastmilk contains

Answer 8

Macronutrients

Micronutrients

Immunoglobulins and Antimicrobial Factors

Hormones and enzymes

Question 9

Macronutrients:

Answer 9

Carbohydrates (mainly lactose), lipids and proteins providing essential energy and building for neonate.

Question 10

Micronutrients

Answer 10

Vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D and iron, are present in bioavailable forms, ensuring optimal nutrient absorption.

Question 11

Immunoglobulins and antimicrobial factors:

Answer 11

Immunoglobulins (IgA), lactoferrin, and lysozyme provide immune protection, reducing the risk of infections.

Question 12

Hormones and enzymes

Answer 12

Growth factors, hormones and enzymes contribute to the infant’s development and aid in digestion.

Question 13

5 Benefits of breastfeeding

Answer 13

Optimal Nutrition

Immunological protection

Cognitive development

Maternal health benefits

Emotional bonding

Question 14

optimal nutrition (breast milk…)

Answer 14

breast milk offers the ideal balance of nutrients, promoting optimal growth and development.

Question 15

Immunological protection is the presence of…

Answer 15

the presence of antibodies and antimicrobial factors boosts the infant’s immune system, reducing the risk of infections and allergies

Question 16

Cognitive development

Answer 16

breastfeeding has been associated with enhanced cognitive development and a reduced risk of neurodevelopmental disorders

Question 17

Maternal health benefits

Answer 17

Breastfeeding promotes uterine involution, aids postpartum weight loss, and reduces the risk of certain maternal cancers.

Question 18

Emotional bonding

Answer 18

The act of breastfeeding fosters a strong emotional bond between mother and child, contributing to the infant’s emotional well-being.

Question 19

Colostrum

Answer 19

Immunological components
IgA
Lactoferrin
Leucocytes
Growth factors
Vitamin A

Low levels of lactose fat

Tiger levels of sodium, chloride and magnesium and lower levels of calcium and potassium

30 - 100ml/day

Question 20

Transitional milk

Answer 20

Stage 2 lactogenesis

similar composition to colostrum with increased production to support the nutritional and developmental needs of rapidly growing infant

5 days to 2 week post partum

Question 21

Mature milk

Answer 21

4-6 weeks post party

Production on demand

3-6 months after birth = peak lactation

750-850ml/day when fully breast feeding

Protein, fat, calcium declines by a quarter in first 3 months

increase in lysozymes and some fat soluble vitamins

Question 22

involutional milk

Answer 22

weaning

protein, fat and sodium concentrations rise and lactose content decreases

Question 23

Nutrient content of milk

Answer 23

complex matrix of 87% water
7% lactose
3.8% fat
1.0% protein