Breastfeeding Flashcards
What is the name of the milk that is produced for the first few days after birth?
Collostrum
What sugars are present in breast milk?
Mainly lactose
Some oligosaccharide which encourages commensal organism growth
What is the importance of fat in breast milk?
It provides energy and is essential in brain development
What proteins are present in breast milk and what are their functions?
IgA antibodies to give passive immunity to the baby
Alpha lactalbumin which has antibacterial and immunostimulatory properties
Lactoferrin which binds to iron to stop it from being used by bacteria
Casein
What factor present in breast milk promotes healing?
Epidermal growth factor
Neuronal growth factors in breast milk promote peristalsis. Why is this important?
Reduces the risk of developing necrotising enterocolitis
In addition to antibodies, what cells are present in breast milk to provide passive immunity?
Plasma cells
T cells
Macrophages
Neutrophils
How does formula milk compare to breast milk?
Formula milk is designed to have approximately the same nutrient content as breast milk and contains casein. However it cannot provide passive immunity as breast milk can
Which hormone stimulates milk production?
Prolactin
Why is there no secretion of milk during pregnancy despite high prolactin levels?
Because of the inhibitory effect of oestrogen and progesterone
Describe how the breasts are stimulated to produce milk?
Stimulation of the nipple by the suckling infant sends a signal to the hypothalamus which reduces its output of dopamine to the anterior pituitary gland and thus stimulates the release of prolactin. Prolactin then acts on the alveolar epithelial cells of the breast to induce the production of milk
Explain the role of feedback inhibitor of lactation in lactogenesis
FIL is secreted into milk as it is produced. As milk volume increases, the concentration of FIL increases. Eventually, once FIL reaches a high enough concentration it blocks the production of milk, thus acting as a negative feedback system. When FIL is removed by the feeding of the infant more milk production can begin
The suckling baby is feeding off of already produced milk and the suckling initiates the production of more milk for the next feed. T/F?
True
Describe the let down reflex
Mechanical stimulation of the nipple by the infant suckling stimulates the let down reflex
This can also be stimulated by factors such as hearing a baby or thinking about breastfeeding
A signal is sent to the hypothalamus which sends a signal to the posterior pituitary to release oxytocin. Oxytocin acts on the myoepithlial cells of the breast to cause contraction which triggers milk ejection and allows the infant to feed
When can weaning from breast milk begin?
After six months old
