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The relationship between suckling-induced prolactin response and lactogenesis
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|April 1, 1980
Summary
Prolactin (PRL) levels increase with suckling during the first week postpartum, peaking around day four. However, prolactin concentrations do not closely correlate with milk yield in breastfeeding mothers.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Lactation Physiology
- Reproductive Medicine
Background:
- Prolactin (PRL) is a key hormone in establishing and maintaining lactation.
- Understanding the dynamics of PRL response to infant suckling is crucial for postpartum care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between suckling and prolactin levels during the first week postpartum.
- To determine if prolactin concentrations correlate with milk yield in early lactation.
Main Methods:
- Studied basal and suckling-induced prolactin levels in postpartum women.
- Measured milk intake using an electronic balance to classify 'good' and 'poor' feeders.
- Assessed prolactin response in mothers using breast pumps.
Main Results:
- Prolactin levels showed a progressive rise in response to suckling, peaking on postpartum day four.
- Individual variations in prolactin levels were significant, but intra-individual variability between feeds was low.
- No significant difference in prolactin response was observed between good and poor feeders, nor a correlation with milk yield.
- Breast pump stimulation elicited a small prolactin response but supported satisfactory milk production.
Conclusions:
- While prolactin is essential for lactation, its concentration does not show a close temporal correlation with milk yield in the early postpartum period.
- Suckling effectively stimulates prolactin release, with the response pattern changing over the first week postpartum.