Breastfeeding Trivia Quiz

Answer: All of these.

Ultimately, it is the hormones, but the efficiency and duration of suckling both affect the amount of hormones that are released. The more suckling (and the stronger the suckling), the more hormones and hence more milk is produced.

Answer: False

Actually, exactly the opposite. As her breasts fill up, nerve triggers tell her body to slow down milk production. The fuller her breasts get, the less milk she will produce, especially if she does this repeatedly. To encourage greater milk production, she should encourage the baby to drain the milk more thoroughly and more often (see the answer above).

Answer: All of these

This list is far from exhaustive. Many, many factors in breast milk help to fight infection in a variety of ways.

Answer: oxytocin

The baby's suckling releases oxytocin which in turn triggers the milk-ejection reflex. Prolactin controls the milk production processes.
HGH is a growth hormone. Progesterone and oestrogen (estrogen) are more important in pregnancy.

Answer: All of these.

While breastfeeding is not alway possible, it is the optimal food for babies for these three reasons and many other reasons.

Answer: True

In many parts of the world where other forms of contraception are not available, the late return of the menstrual cycle that often occurs in mothers who are breastfeeding "on demand" provides a natural spacing of children. Of course, those using this form of contraception invariably fall pregnant again, sometimes sooner but more often later (frequently around or a little before the baby's first birthday). Under correct supervision and with training this "lactational amenorrhea", combined with other natural birth control methods, is also used by women in developed countries.

Answer: On average, her periods/ menstrual cycle will return later.

Breastfed babies sleep no longer than bottlefed ones (in fact, the opposite is sometimes true as cows' milk curds are harder for babies to digest). Actually, bottlefed babies are more likely to have the more solid and less frequent bowel motions, due to the difficulty of digesting formula. On the other hand, they usually have smellier bowel motions and can be prone to constipation. The return of the menstrual cycle is, on average, many months later in breastfeeding women and I think it would be safe to say that the majority see this as a very positive thing.
Other advantages can include (statistically): lower risks of certain types of cancers (like breast cancer), faster weight loss after pregnancy, faster return of the uterus to its non-pregnant size, less work, a healthier baby, bonding to the infant can be aided, psychological advantages such as pride and a sense of achievement, enjoyment and last but not least, a large saving in cost.

Answer: All of them

With the correct help, support and persistence, the vast majority of cases of low supply, poor weight gains, cracked and sore nipples can be overcome. Expressing milk to leave with the baby and keeping mother and baby together are the most common ways to avoid interruption to breastfeeding during hospitalisation or returning to work.

It is very rare to have to wean because of mastitis or medication, and even then in most cases it will be only temporary.

Answer: False

More often mastitis is non-infective and the inflammation is caused by engorgement or pressure on a part of the breast. In the vast majority of cases of the rarer infective mastitis, the organism causing the infection came from the baby's mouth or the mother's skin and is unlikely to cause any harm to the baby. Only in a tiny amount of cases would continued breastfeeding be likely to cause harm to the baby.

Answer: Tell the doctor that she is breastfeeding straight away and check that the drug is OK.

Many drugs are not safe for the baby and in most cases the doctor could prescribe an alternative which would be much safer, so if the mother told the doctor at the start the doctor could plan an alternative course of treatment. She should not take a drug that she hasn't checked is safe, and should not delay treating her illness, though she may wish to investigate alternative treatments.
In rare cases where no alternative is available and the treatment is vital, a mother may have to wean temporarily (while taking the course) or permanently (when the treatment must be ongoing).

Answer: the alveoli

The alveoli are in clusters a little like bunches of grapes and CONTINUALLY produce milk during lactation.
The milk ducts are the ducts or passages the milk passes through to get to the nipple.
The areola is the darker-coloured circle around the nipple.
Montgomery Glands (or follicles)are glands which appear as tiny bumps around the outside of the areola and lubricate the nipple.

Answer: All of these

These methods have all been used very successfully by many mothers. Some may reduce their work hours to accommodate meeting the needs of the baby, others return to the same hours as before, and of course some choose to delay the return to work.

Answer: True

She will need a higher calorie and nutrient intake to supply the needs of her own body and her baby. It is very rare, however, in the developed world for a mother to "starve" her baby, and even in undernourished mothers (provided they are not seriously undernourished), the baby will usually get enough as the mother's body will supply the baby with nutrients before her. If she does not have an adequate calorie or nutrient intake, her own needs may be compromised.

Answer: True

Many mothers have fed twins, triplets and even quadruplets without any formula at all, but it is far more common for mothers of triplets or quads to supplement at least some feeds with formula. Reasons range from supply problems to difficulty managing the time involved with the feeding and other baby care of three or four babies.

Answer: As long as mother and baby are happy to do so, but at least a year.

I am aware that this is a highly-controversial question, however as I originally stated, my answers go with the generally accepted modern medical opinion. It is currently believed that the benefits to mother and baby extend well beyond 12 months of age, and that breast milk should be the baby's major source of nutrition to 12 months.

As an example of these benefits, studies have shown that the protective effect of breastfeeding in regard to breast cancer is directly proportional to the length of breastfeeding.

Health benefits for the baby or child continue for the entire duration of breastfeeding, especially the anti-infective benefits. In many nations, breastfeeding is vital to the health of small children where the cleanliness of other foods is questionable- less so in developed countries but still significant (the rate and severity of gastro-intestinal infections in breastfed toddlers in developed countries is significantly lower). Older children can be harder to wean, but in many cases they are easier to wean as they choose to do so themselves or are easily distracted or filled with other foods.

The best time to wean is when mother and baby are both ready. I hope you found this quiz informative and enjoyable. If you want to learn more, there are many excellent books. For a recommendation or assistance, contact your local La Leche League, Australian Breastfeeding Association or other breastfeeding support group.