Breast Feeding Flashcards
How long should babies be EXCLUSIVELY breast fed for?
First 6 months of life
Which has a higher protein content: Foremilk or Hindmilk?
Foremilk
Which has a higher fat content: Foremilk or Hindmilk?
Hindmilk
Anterior/Posterior pituitary gland is involved in milk production?
Anterior pituitary gland
- releases prolactin
- milk production
Anterior/Posterior pituitary gland is involved in milk ejection?
Posterior pituitary gland
- releases oxytocin
- milk ejection
The release of which hormone causes milk ejection?
Oxytocin
Breast feeding mothers are more/less likely to suffer from PND?
Less likely
Breast size determines the amount of milk produced. True or false?
False
Lipid droplet component of breast milk is secreted by apocrine secretion or mesocrine secretion?
Apocrine secretion
Protein component of breast milk is secreted by apocrine secretion or mesocrine secretion?
Mesocrine secretion
When is colostrum produced?
Mid pregnancy -> first few days after birth
What does colostrum contain and why is this useful for the baby?
Contains high levels of immune proteins so helps colonise the baby with normal bacteria.
Laxative effect which helps infants pass meconium.
Which hormone is important in breast milk production?
Prolactin
When do levels of lactation inhibitory factor rise?
If any area of the breast is not being drained.
LIF signals to the breast tissue to stop milk production.
Name 2 methods of expressing breast milk
Hand expression
Hand and electric pumps
What is the ‘let down’ reflex
How milk is encouraged to flow
How long can expressed milk be stored for in a domestic freezer?
Up to 6 months
How long can expressed milk be stored for in the fridge?
Up to 5 days
Problems during breast feeding - painful nipples
Usually due to poor attachment
If there is no signs of nipple infection, application of topical preparations is ineffective
Problems during breast feeding - engorgement
Painful swelling of the breasts
Problems during breast feeding - mastitis
Red inflamed breasts
Mastitis - what antibiotics should be given to the mother?
Oral flucloxacillin
If the patient has mastitis, should she stop breast feeding?
NO
- continue beast feeding
Mother is concerned that she doesn’t have enough milk to provide for her baby. What are 3 positive and reassuring signs that all is well?
- Ask about number of dirty nappies in 24 hours
- Ask about number of wet nappies in 24 hours
- appropriate measurement of weight
