Feeding - Contraindications & Production

Question 1

What type of infections can be transmitted through breastfeeding?

Answer 1

HIV, Ebola, herpe lesions on breast, untreated infectious tuberculosis, active varicella

Question 2

What else can be transmitted through breastfeeding?

Answer 2

Certain substances and mothers undergoing treatment (chemotherapy, radioactive isotope therapy)

Question 3

Milk production - What does the hormone prolactin do?

Answer 3

Responsible for milk production. Released in response to baby sucking on breast

Question 4

Milk production - what does the hormone oxytocin do?

Answer 4

Causes milk ejection (pushes milk through ducts and out of nipples). Released in response to baby sucking or even thinking about your baby/hearing them cry

Question 5

How does a women’s body figure out how much milk to produce?

Answer 5

Supply and demand

The more frequently the baby nurses, the more milk the breasts will produce

Question 6

What is foremilk?

Answer 6

Lower in fat content - higher content of lactose in water. Helps hydrate the baby and quench their initial thirst

Released at the beginning of breastfeeding

Question 7

What is hindmilk?

Answer 7

Higher in fat content. Provides baby with necessary calories and essential fats for growth

Transitions from foremilk to hindmilk as feeding progresses