LACTATION Physiology and Management
LACTATION Physiology and Management
LACTATION Physiology and Management
GOAL At the end of the topic UCM students should understand the structure of the breast and the processes in milk production and management of lactation
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
Define the breast Describe the specific structures of the breast Discuss all the processes occurring in the breast for milk production Discuss the role of the midwife to ensure successful breast feeding
Definition
It is an accessory of reproductive system that secretes milk after child birth to nourish the infant Compound secreting glands composed of glandular and connective tissue arranged in lobes Each lobe is divided into lobules that consist of alveoli and ducts
THE BREAST:
Richly supplied with blood Lactiferous ducts carry milk from the alveoli of each lobe and unite to form larger ducts Ducts widens to form lactiferous sinuses where milk is stored beneath the areola The nipple is composed of erectile tissue and contain plain muscle fibres that controls the flow of milk
THE BREAST:
Areola an area surrounding the nipple where glands of montogomery are located that produce an oily fluid that keeps the nipple soft
THE BREAST
Cont;
Nipple: composed of sensitive erectile tissue that respond to sexual stimulation Areola: surrounds nipple darker in colour than surrounding skin Montgomery tubercles: Sebaceous glands found in areola that produces oily substance to lubricates and protect the nipple
Cont;
Lobes : 15 20 lobes arranged around and behind the nipple, areola containing alveoli Alveoli: Small sacs containing acin cells that secretes milk. It is highly supplied with blood through mammary arteries Myo epithelial cells: contract and helps in propelling milk in lactiferous ducts. Lactiferous sinuses: temporary storage sites for milk
Cont;
Blood supply: internal and external mammary arteries and intercoastal arteries Nerve supply: supplied by 4th ,5th , 6th inter thoracic nerves Function Provide nourishments and provide antibodies to the infant through lactation Source of pleasurable sexual sensation.
MAMMARY GROWTH:
In Pregnancy High levels of oestrogen and progesterone stimulate growth of the alveoli and duct system to prepare for lactation. Prolactin stimulates milk production but it is inhibited during pregnancy by oestrogen and progesterone levels. The inhibition ceases when the placenta is delivered and active milk production occurs in response to infant suckling.
Physiology of lactation
Three phases Production of milk Flow of milk Withdraw of milk by baby
MILK PRODUCTION:
Milk is formed as tiny fatty globules within the alveoli As new globules are produced, the droplets are pushed towards the surface of the cell to the lactiferous tubule Droplets from other cells join other cells then the alveoli become filled with milk Abundant blood supply to the breast helps milk production
MANAGEMENT OF LACTATION:
ANTENATALLY: Usually the nipples and aleolla develop during pregnancy, the mothers should be aware of nutritional and immunological advantages of breast feeding Good diet and preparation for lactation promotes successful breast feeding
MANAGEMENT OF LACTATION:
LABOUR AND DELIVERY: 1st feed should be initiated within 30 minutes after delivery to clear colostrum and stimulate milk secretion Midwife to initiate mother and child bonding within the 1st hour after birth Put the baby in skin to skin contact with the mothers abdomen or chest after birth
MANAGEMENT OF LACTATION:
POSITIONING OF THE MOTHER: Lying on her side Sitting up POSITING OF THE BABY: Babys body toward the mothers body Baby tummy to tummy ATTACHMENT: Baby to draw breast tissue and nipple into his mouth with his tongue
MANAGEMENT OF LACTATION:
If properly attached the breast is stretched into a teat in the babys mouth and there is minimal suction to hold the teat No pain is experience by the mother Midwives should assist women to attach the baby to the breast Foremilk is generous but lower in fat than hind milk that is higher in calories
MANAGEMENT OF LACTATION:
Midwives should have the skill to help the mothers to fix the baby to the breast Offer psychological support by giving encouragement, praise, understanding and be patient for successful lactation Massage the breast in order to stimulate more glandular tissue for production of breast milk Relieve the discomforts and make the mother more relaxed for successful lactation
MANAGEMENT OF LACTATION:
Provide time enough for rest and sleep that would promote milk production Nutrition and fluids: diet requiring 11,000kJ and 2 Lt of fluids in 24 hrs depending on the need of each individual Feed on demand and awake the baby to have enough milk Bringing up wind or burping the baby to remove air swallowed while breast feeding/ crying( baby to lie on one side ) avoid lieing on the back
MANAGEMENT OF LACTATION:
3- 4 Minutes on each breast in the first days to stimulate hindmilk secretion then 10 minutes depending on the infants needs and availability of milk No supplimentary or complimentary bottle feeds Offer both breast at each feed to stimulate the hind milk The more the baby feeds the greater will be the milk supply .
MANAGEMENT OF LACTATION:
Practice cluster feeding that is waking the baby frequently during the day to breast feed 1o 11 feeds in 24 hrs
Cleanliness: Wash hands before and after feeds clean the dirty nipples. Ensure nappy change after feeds
MANAGEMENT OF LACTATION:
The actual grasp of the nipple: Push down the chin and insert the nipple on the tongue The nipple and the areolar tissue should be pushed into the babys mouth The inside of both lips should be showing Mother should support the breast in a cup in her hand position not scissors /cigarette hold