Nutrition Life Cycle: Ch. 6-7

Breast-feeding

The process of feeding an infant during lactation.

Benefits of breastfeeding?

~Provides optimal nutrition for infant ~Nutrients matches the requirements for growth and development closely. ~Human milk is isosmotic and thus meets the requirement for infants w/o other food or water. ~Low protein content and doesn't overwork immature kidneys. ~Whey protein forms a soft, digestible curd. ~PUFAs ~Minerals are largely protein bound and balanced to enhance availability and meet needs with little demand on maternal reserves. ~Milk can protect infants from infections. ~Reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, acute illnesses, chronic illnesses. ~Breast-fed infants tend to be leaner than HMS infants. They also tend have better cognitive function. ~Breast-feeding reduces medical costs since they are related to reduced risks of illnesses. Breast-feeding also seems to work as an analgesic. ~Women feel self-confidence and facilitated bonding with their child.

Prolactin:

A hormone necessary for milk production. It is present during pregnancy and breast-feeding (3rd trimester - weaning).

How does alcohol impact breastfeeding?

Alcohol consumed by the mother passes quickly into the breast milk and the effects in the infant are directly related to the amount consumed.

Oxytocin

It's a hormone produced during let-down that causes milk to be ejected into the ducts. It's present from the onset of milk production - weaning.

What factors might influence the continued practice of breastfeeding?

Support from health care system such as training; developing model programs Technical assistance to providers, representatives and families Strengthening networks and groups Assessing rates and practices.

Lactation

The secretion of milk by the mammary glands. The alveoli contain secretory cells, myoepithelial cells, that contract with the signaling of oxytocin and cause milk to eject.

How do herbs impact breastfeeding?

-Herbs that are CNS stimulants; cytotoxic (destroy cells); that are laxatives, hepatotoxic, carcinogenic, mutogenic, or contain toxic essential oils; aren't recommended during lactation. -Herbal teas are safe if they are prepared safe and herbs are used for essence. Herbal gels ointments, or creams used on the nipples could be ingested easily. Oils aren't recommended.

Why would some women choose not to breastfeed?

-Lack of education, support, confidence, health provider apathy and misinformation. -Feeling uncomfortable, doesn't want baby to be too clingy, the mother might feel pain. -Time and social constraints and concerns about loss of freedom (esp. working mothers), maternal employment. -Commercial promotion of infant formula by hospitals and media.

How long should a women expect to return back to pre-pregnancy weight? What are the considerations for exercise and breastfeeding?

-Loss by 12 months postpartum on avg. is less than the amount needed to return to prepregnancy weight. -Modest energy restriction with increased physical activity may help lose weight while improving their metabolic profile and increasing fat losses.

How do flavors impact breastfeeding?

-Studies by Mennella and Beauchamp confirm the diet of lactating women alters the quality of her milk. -Extensive clinical exp. also suggests that some infants are sensitive to certain foods in the mother's diet. -The transfer of flavor compounds appears to occur selectively in relatively low amounts.

What are the nutrient needs for a breastfeeding woman? What are the hydration recommendation?

-The current DRI for water for lactating women is 3.4 L for women 19-30. -Breast-feeding women should have balanced adjustments in energy intake and energy expenditure. -Women who increased food intake and decreased physical activity were found to meet the increased needs during lactation. -The DRI for lactating women assume energy spent for milk production is 500cal/day in the 1st 6 months and 400cal after. -However proper assessment should be made within the context of the mother's nutritional status and weight changes and adequacy of infant's growth.

How does smoking impact breastfeeding?

-Well-documented data provide clear evidence that children of smoking mothers to better if breastfed in regard to general health, respiratory, illness, ands risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). -Nicotine lvls in breast milk of women who smoke are between 1.5 and 3.0x higher than the lvl in the mother's blood, and the mean 24 hr. nicotine concentrations in breast milk rise as cigarette consumption increases.

What is the most reliable indicator of an infant's health?

Birthweight

What is meant by the saying "Breastfeeding is the best weight loss program?

Current DRIs assume that women normally lose 0.8kg/month during breast-feeding. Also mechanisms that favor the use of maternal fat stores and delivery of nutrients to the breasts seem to occur during lactation.

How do medications impact breastfeeding?

Most medications taken by nursing mothers are excreted in breast milk, this includes over the counter and prescription drugs.