Intro To Breastfeeding Flashcards
How many lobes make up the breast?
Approx 20
What is contained within the lobes of the breast?
Alveoli
What is contained within the alveoli of the breast?
Milk producing lactocytes
Which hormone stimulates the myoepithelial cells to contract so that milk is pushed into the lactiferous ducts and towards the nipple?
Oxytocin
How many openings does the nipple have?
An average of 9
What are Montgomery tubercles?
Glands which secrete a sebaceous fluid that lubricates the nipple and protects the skin. The fluid has an individual aroma which attract the infant to the mother.
Name a hormone involved in breast development during puberty.
Oestrogen
How does oestrogen prompt mammogenesis?
Through development of the ductal system.
Name two hormones involved in breast development during pregnancy.
Progesterone and human placental lactogen.
Why does blood supply to the breast increase during pregnancy?
To provide nutrients from which the milk will be made.
Which action is needed to begin the cycle of lactation?
Effective suckling
How does suckling influence lactation?
It send a stimulus via the hypothalamus to the posterior pituitary gland. The posterior pituitary gland then secretes oxytocin.
How is oxytocin involved in the lactation cycle?
It stimulates the smooth muscle of the breast alveoli to contract so that milk is ejected into the lactiferous ducts.
What is the role of prolactin in the lactation cycle?
It is released by the anterior pituitary in order to stimulate the lactocytes to secrete milk for the next feed.
How is the production of milk controlled so that it is not over produced?
By feedback inhibitor of lactation (FIL). This is contained within the breast milk so the more breast milk that is present, the less that will be produced. As the infant feeds and milk/FIL are reduced, the cycle of milk production can start again.
What psychological effects do prolactin and oxytocin have on the mother and infant?
- feelings of calmness
- help mother to fall in love
- makes mother want to hold/stroke/protect infant
Which constituents do human milk and modified cows milk have in common?
Water, protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals.
What is the main protein found in human milk?
Alpha lactalbumin (20%)
What is alpha lactalbumin associated with?
The destruction of over 40 types of cancer cells.
What protein is found in cows milk and what has it been linked to?
Bovine serum albumen, linked to increased risk of juvenile onset diabetes.
What is the primary carbohydrate found in both human and cows milk?
Lactose
State two benefits of lactose.
- Improves the absorption of calcium.
2. Promotes growth of healthy bacteria.
Which carbohydrates may be found in lactose free infant formula?
Sucrose, fructose and glucose.
What type of fat is found in human milk?
Long chain fatty acids