Breast feeding Flashcards
4 stages of lactation
- Colostrum
- Transitional milk
- Mature milk
- Involutional milk
Mammary gland development (during pregnancy..)
oestrogen and progesterone stimulate mammary gland development.
Prolactin prepares mammary alveoli for milk production
Hormonal triggers for milk synthesis
after childbirth, the drop in oestrogen and progesterone levels allows prolactin to stimulate milk synthesis.
Oxytocin, triggered by suckling facilitates milk ejaculation.
what promotes milk synthesis
Prolactin promotes the synthesis of milk components within mammary alveoli.
Lactose, lipids, proteins and immune factors are produced and secreted into mammary ducts.
Milk ejection (what causes milk ejection)
Oxytocin stimulates myoepithelial cells to contract causing milk to be ejected from alveoli into ducts, facilitating its availably for the infant
Feedback mechanism
Feedback mechanism (positive feedback loop), primarily involving prolactin inhibition by dopamine and oxytocin release during suckling
Breast milk is a
dynamic fluid that adapts to changing needs of the infant
Breastmilk contains
Macronutrients
Micronutrients
Immunoglobulins and Antimicrobial Factors
Hormones and enzymes
Macronutrients:
Carbohydrates (mainly lactose), lipids and proteins providing essential energy and building for neonate.
Micronutrients
Vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D and iron, are present in bioavailable forms, ensuring optimal nutrient absorption.
Immunoglobulins and antimicrobial factors:
Immunoglobulins (IgA), lactoferrin, and lysozyme provide immune protection, reducing the risk of infections.
Hormones and enzymes
Growth factors, hormones and enzymes contribute to the infant’s development and aid in digestion.
5 Benefits of breastfeeding
Optimal Nutrition
Immunological protection
Cognitive development
Maternal health benefits
Emotional bonding
optimal nutrition (breast milk…)
breast milk offers the ideal balance of nutrients, promoting optimal growth and development.
Immunological protection is the presence of…
the presence of antibodies and antimicrobial factors boosts the infant’s immune system, reducing the risk of infections and allergies
Cognitive development
breastfeeding has been associated with enhanced cognitive development and a reduced risk of neurodevelopmental disorders
Maternal health benefits
Breastfeeding promotes uterine involution, aids postpartum weight loss, and reduces the risk of certain maternal cancers.
Emotional bonding
The act of breastfeeding fosters a strong emotional bond between mother and child, contributing to the infant’s emotional well-being.
Colostrum
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
Transitional milk
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
Mature milk
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
involutional milk
weaning
protein, fat and sodium concentrations rise and lactose content decreases
Nutrient content of milk
complex matrix of 87% water
7% lactose
3.8% fat
1.0% protein
