Lactation

‡ Physiology of lactation
‡ Changes during pregnancy
± Increased breast tissue
± Maturation of structure
‡ Hormonal controls
± Prolactin: stimulates milk production
± Oxytocin: stimulates milk release
‡ ³let-down´ reflex

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 Lactation
‡ Nutrition for breastfeeding women
± Energy and protein
‡ higher needs than pregnancy
± Vitamins and minerals
‡ Most are higher or same as pregnancy
‡ Iron and folate needs are lower
± Water
‡ Food choices
‡ Practices to avoid while breastfeeding
± Alcohol, drugs, smoking, excess caffeine

 Lactation
‡ Benefits of breastfeeding
± Benefits for infants
‡ Optimal nutrition
‡ Reduced incidence of respiratory, GI, ear infections
‡ Convenience
‡ Other benefits
± Benefits for mother
‡ Convenience
‡ Enhance recovery of uterus size
‡ Other benefits
‡ Contraindications to breastfeeding È
Benefits of Breastfeeding
babies moms
‡ balance of nutrients ‡ contracts the uterus
with high bioavail. ‡ delays menstration
‡ good hormones ‡ conserves iron
‡ cognitive stores
development ‡ may protect against
‡ less infections breast cancer
‡ less diseases ‡ convenient
‡ less food allergies ‡ bonding time with
baby

 Lactation Nutrient Needs

 
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‡ Water
± need plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
± drink a glass of fluid at each meal and each
nursing session
‡ Nutrient Supplements
± iron to replace stores
± often continue prenatal vitamins
‡ Particular Foods
± foods with strong or spicy flavors may alter
flavor of breast milk
± some infants may be sensitive to particular
foods that mom eats V
 Šuring Lactation Šon¶t:

‡ Šon¶t drink alcohol

‡ Šon¶t take medications unless OK by
Medical Provider
‡ Šon¶t take illegal drugs
‡ Šon¶t smoke
‡ Šon¶t get into environmental contaminants
‡ Šon¶t have caffeine

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 Lactation and Maternal Health

‡ Illnesses
± colds: OK to breastfeed; TB/Hepatitis may
have to pump
‡ HIV Infection and AIŠS
± should NOT breastfeed if there is an
alternative way of feeding;
‡ Šiabetes: OK
‡ Postpartum Amenorrhea: need birth control
‡ Breast Health c
 Lactation Questions
1. What is colostrum?
2. The ³let-down´ reflex is stimulated by _____ and
inhibited by _______
3. How many extra calories are recommended
during lactation?
4. Name benefits to the infant and mom from
breastfeeding

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