Breastfeeding

Definition

Breastfeeding is the process of feeding an infant with milk directly from the mother's breast. It involves various physiological and hormonal changes that can affect medication use and uterine motility.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Certain medications can pass through breast milk and affect the infant.
2. Oxytocin plays a crucial role in milk ejection during breastfeeding.
3. Prolactin is the primary hormone responsible for milk production.
4. Uterine motility drugs may affect lactation by altering hormone levels or causing side effects that impact breastfeeding.
5. Healthcare providers must consider both maternal and infant safety when prescribing drugs to breastfeeding mothers.

Review Questions

• Which hormone is primarily responsible for milk production during breastfeeding?
• How can uterine motility drugs impact lactation?
• Why must healthcare providers be cautious when prescribing medications to breastfeeding mothers?

Related terms

Oxytocin:

A hormone that stimulates uterine contractions and milk ejection in breastfeeding.

Prolactin:

A hormone responsible for stimulating milk production in the mammary glands.

Lactation Suppression: The process of stopping or reducing milk production, often through medication or other interventions.