Postpartum and Breastfeeding Flashcards
Name at least 5 components of human breast milk.
Water
Fat
Lactose-containing carbs
Protein
Vitamins
Immunoglobulins
Prebiotics
Enzymes
Hormones
Phagocytes
Lymphocytes
Early _________ is high in lactose and protein and quite immunologically active
colustrum
What is the term for when colustrum becomes mature breast milk?
Lactogenesis
What are the two compartments in breast tissue where milk is produced?
Alveoli and lobules
During pregnancy, the breasts enlarge as lobules mature and differentiate in response to which 4 hormones?
Estrogen
Placental lactogen
Prolactin
Progesterone
Oxytocin is released from the posterior pituitary gland during breastfeeding. What is the physiological effect?
Oxytocin causes contraction of myoepithelial cells -> squeezes milk from alveoli
If milk is not removed from breast, production is inhibited by an autocrine hormone called ________________________.
Feedback inhibitor of lactation.
Breastfed babies have been shown to experience decreased incidence and severity of infectious illnesses such as:
Diarrhea
Respiratory infections
Otitis media
Bacterial meningitis
UTIs
Breastfed babies have been shown to experience decreased risk of developing these conditions later in childhood:
Atopy (genetic tendency to develop allergic disease such as allergic rhinitis, asthma and atopic dermatitis)
Allergies
Asthma
Childhood obesity
DMT2
Childhood cancer
What are some benefits to the birthing person if they decide to chest feed?
Oxytocin-induced decreased postpartum blood loss
Enhanced bonding with infant
Lactation amenorrhea may serve as birth control
Assoc. return to pre-pregnancy weight
Decreased risk of:
PPD
Breast cancer
Ovarian cancer
Diabetes
HTN
Heart disease
Osteoporosis It's Free 😊
What is the #1 barrier to breastfeeding?
Lack of awareness/understanding of the benefits of breastfeeding.
What are 3 contraindications to breastfeeding?
Neonate has galactosemia type 1 (detected by newborn screening) is unable to metabolize lactose or galactose and may not be able to exclusively breastfeed.
Inherited defect, unable to process proteins
Maternal infections: active, untreated HIV, TB, orherpetic vesicles on the breast.
Which classes of medications or substances are contraindicated in pregnancy?
Chemotherapeutic agents
Antimetabolites
Radioactive isotopes
Drugs of abuse
No data on use of The Ganj so considered unsafe
What are some suggestions to help soothe cracked, sore nipples?
Expressed milk has healing properties for cracked and sore nipples
Cracked nipples can be treated with lanolin or hydrogel pads and repositioning
Postpartum engorgement may be caused in part by interstitial edema and improved by _________________.
gentle massage towards the axillary lymph nodes.
