Which of the following response is anticipated in a mother during suckling the baby?

Appeared in: BHU NO - 2015

Explanation

Suckling by the infant sends nerve signals from the nipple to the mother's hypothalamus.
The hypothalamus then signals the posterior pituitary gland to release the hormone oxytocin.
Oxytocin causes the contraction of myoepithelial cells surrounding the milk-producing alveoli in the breast.
This contraction forces milk into the ducts, making it available to the infant, a process known as the milk ejection or 'let-down' reflex.

Option A: ADR (Adrenaline) is a stress hormone. Its release is not a normal anticipated response to suckling and can actually inhibit the milk let-down reflex by interfering with oxytocin release.
Option B: Prolactin-inhibiting factor (PIF), which is primarily dopamine, decreases in response to suckling. This decrease is necessary to allow the anterior pituitary to secrete prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk synthesis.
Option C: Hypothalamic dopamine is the same as prolactin-inhibiting factor (PIF). Its secretion decreases during suckling to permit the rise in prolactin levels needed for milk production.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Hormonal regulation of lactation as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the let-down reflex is crucial for nurses to educate and support breastfeeding mothers. A delay in let-down can cause frustration for both mother and baby.
Nurses should advise mothers to breastfeed in a calm, comfortable environment to minimize stress, which can release adrenaline and inhibit the oxytocin-driven let-down reflex.
Signs of a successful let-down reflex include tingling or a pins-and-needles sensation in the breast, milk dripping from the other breast, and a change in the baby's sucking pattern from rapid sucks to slower, more rhythmic swallowing.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core physiological process in the question: the mother's response to the baby suckling.
Recall the two main hormones involved in lactation: prolactin (for milk production) and oxytocin (for milk ejection).
Analyze the effect of the suckling stimulus on the hormonal system. Suckling is a positive feedback mechanism for oxytocin and an inhibitory one for the factor that blocks prolactin.
Evaluate each option: 'Increase of ADR' is related to stress, not suckling. 'Increase of prolactin-inhibiting factor' and 'Increase of hypothalamic dopamine' are incorrect because suckling decreases these to allow milk production.
Conclude that 'Increase of oxytocin' is the correct answer, as it is directly responsible for the milk let-down reflex triggered by suckling.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Physiology Guyton 4SAE Part 3 p. 69-71

E6 Nutrition Kumud Khanna 2e p. 99-101

E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 48-68

Practise the full BHU NO - 2015

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.