Lactation Flashcards
What is the first milk produced called?
Colostrum
What are the benefits of breastfeeding for the infant?
Reduced incidence of infection
Reduced risk of diabetes, asthma and eczema
Reduced risk of lactose intolerance
Improved intellectual and motor development
Decreased risk of being obese later in life
What are the benefits of breastfeeding for the mother?
Promotes recovery from childbirth
Promotes return to normal body weight
Promotes period of infertility
Reduces risk of premenopausal breast cancer
What is lactational amenorrhoea?
When lactating, prolactin surpasses GnRH release therefore FSH and LH
This prevents follicular growth, ovulation and menstruation
What change occurs in the breast at puberty?
Oestrogen causing the ducts to proliferate and masses of alveoli form a the ends of the branches
What happens to the breast during pregnancy?
Alveoli grow and acquire a lumen
Adipose tissue is replaced with glandular tissue
When is the breast tissue fully developed for lactation?
16 weeks
What is the areola?
Pigmented skin around the nipple
What is the flow of milk in the breast?
Alveoli –> lactiferous ducts –> lactiferous sinuses –> nipple
Which cells produce milk, stimulated by prolactin?
Alveoli
What happens when the baby sucks the nipple?
Nerve impulses go from nipple to hypothalamus and induce prolactin release
What initiates lactation?
Drop in oestrogen and progesterone after delivery
How does the hypothalamus control prolactin secretion?
It secretes prolactin inhibitory hormone (dopamine) when not nursing
How does prolactin interfere with reproductive function?
It inhibits GnRH release therefore inhibiting FSH and LH release
During pregnancy, how is lactation inhibited?
High levels of progesterone, oestrogen and human placental lactogen inhibit action of prolactin
