Induced Lactation and Relactation

Question 1

What is the MOST important factor in inducing lactation or relactation?

Answer 1

Suckling, milk expression, or other nipple and aerola stimulation

This stimulates both prolactin secretion and the release of oxytocin

Question 2

What is one particular time when relactation or induced lactation are recommended to reduce acute infant risk of mortality and morbidity?

Answer 2

Natural disasters, warfare

Question 3

List a few reasons parents may wish to induce lactation

Answer 3

optimize infant health, simulate biological parenting experience (adoptive breastfeeding), after surrogate pregnancy, share breastfeeding role in same sex couple

Question 4

List a few reasons why relactation is practiced

Answer 4

• restart breastfeeding after weaning
• improve an infant health problem that started after weaning
• when a situation that led to early weaning has been overcome or improved (nipple damage, separation, unsupportive hospital practices)

Question 5

What should be avoided when encourage parents and setting realistic expectations?

Answer 5

Avoid stating an expected time frame

Question 6

The _______ the child when introduced to the breast, the great chance of unwillingness to suckle. Babies younger than _________ are mostly likely to suckle willingly.

Answer 6

Older, 8 weeks

Question 7

How often should a parent pump if pumping to initiate lactation

Answer 7

start with 3 times in 24 hours and work up to 8 in 24 hours