What is lactogenesis?
The making of human milk.
How many distinct phases are there in lactogenesis?
Three distinct phases.
What is lactogenesis I (LI)?
Secretory differentiation that commences during the second half of pregnancy.
What promotes cell differentiation and growth of milk ducts during lactogenesis I?
Pregnancy hormones.
What is typically seen in women during pregnancy related to lactogenesis?
Some evidence of a milky secretion (colostrum) from their breasts.
What is lactogenesis II (LII)?
Secretory activation, the initiation of lactation that begins biochemically around 30-40 hours after birth.
What hormonal changes occur during lactogenesis II?
Progesterone levels drop and prolactin levels remain high.
When does the mother experience the sensation of milk ‘coming in’?
Around 70 hours after birth.
What is lactogenesis III (LIII)?
The maintenance of ongoing lactation, also known as galactopoiesis.
What is the autocrine function in lactogenesis III dependent on?
Frequent, effective removal of milk from the breasts.
Initially, what drives milk production in lactogenesis III?
Hormones (endogenous).
Who drives milk production after the infant learns to breastfeed?
The infant (exogenous).
What can delay or inhibit secretory activation?
Endocrine disruption due to complications during birth.
What is a potential complication that can disrupt lactogenesis?
Retention of a functional portion of the placenta that secretes progesterone.
What condition can severe hemorrhage cause that affects lactation?
Sheehan’s syndrome (pituitary gland necrosis).
How does insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus affect lactation?
It can cause a delay in establishing lactation.
What challenges do mothers of premature infants face regarding lactation?
They may have difficulty establishing lactation.
How does being overweight or obese affect breastfeeding?
They are less likely to start breastfeeding and tend to breastfeed for a shorter length of time.
What is the relationship between high-stress levels and lactation?
High-stress levels correlate with high cortisol levels, which are necessary for initiating secretory activation.
True or False: Maternal psychological distress can delay secretory activation and decrease the duration of exclusive breastfeeding.
True.
What hormone is needed for milk ejection during lactation?
Oxytocin.
How can breastfeeding affect maternal distress?
It appears to reduce maternal distress through the effects of oxytocin.
What is ‘traumatic childbirth’ defined as?
Childbirth characterized by unpleasant experiences that have negative psychological consequences for the mother.
What is the correlation between PTSD and breastfeeding?
There is a high correlation between PTSD, traumatic perception of birth, and low breastfeeding self-efficacy.