The clinic nurse is reviewing breastfeeding with a pregnant patient. Which hormone will the nurse explain is responsible for milk production after the birth of the placenta?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During pregnancy, high levels of estrogen and progesterone produced by the placenta stimulate growth of the alveoli and ductal system to prepare them for lactation. Prolactin secretion by the anterior pituitary gland stimulates milk production during pregnancy; however, this effect is inhibited by estrogen and progesterone produced by the placenta. Inhibiting effects of estrogen and progesterone stop when the placenta is expelled after birth, and active milk production occurs in response to the infant's suckling while breastfeeding. Pitocin is the hormone that causes the let-down reflex during breastfeeding.

The Clinic Nurse Is Reviewing Breastfeeding with a Pregnant Patient