Why Breastfeed? Trivia Quiz

Answer: Within the first hour of birth

A mother is advised to start breastfeeding within the first hour of birth. She is also advised to keep her baby exclusively on breast milk for six months. Then she is advised to continue breastfeeding, along with appropriate and nutrient rich food supplements, for the next year or more.

There are only a few exceptional times when a mother's milk is deemed unsafe or unusable, and in such cases, the services of a wet nurse or a milk bank can be made use of. It is not recommended to start supplementary feeding for an infant before the age of six months.

Answer: Colostrum

Colostrum is formed in the mammary glands during the late stages of pregnancy. Colostrum has numerous important benefits. It has laxative properties and aids the infant in passing his/her first stool, called meconium. It helps in preventing jaundice by forcing out the excess bilirubin (a product from the metabolism of blood).

It has important immunoglobulins like IgA which protect and enhance the baby's immune system. Vitamins and minerals are also provided by the colostrum. The carbohydrate and fat content are low in the colostrum.

The colostrum actually appears a little yellowish. The fat content of breast milk gradually increases over the days.

Answer: True

As mentioned before, breastfeeding improves the child's immunity. It reduces the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis in infants as well as a number of infectious states like diarrheal diseases, respiratory tract and urinary tract infections, ear infections and gastrointestinal infections.

It reduces the risks presented by childhood obesity and also reduces the chance of diabetes mellitus in the child. Breastfeeding improves mental health and also reduces the chance of developing allergies in the long run.

Answer: Prolactin

Prolactin is primarily secreted by the pituitary gland and has a major role in lactation. It causes enlargement of the mammary glands to prepare for lactation. Prolactin in high levels can counteract effects of hormones like follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and can cause dysfunction of the ovaries. Excess dopamine accumulation can be caused by low levels of prolactin, on the other hand.

Answer: True

Yes, it is true. Breastfeeding reduces expenses of buying milk products and other supplements for the baby. In many countries, like India, mothers are encouraged to breastfeed for a considerable amount of time to reduce these costs incurred.

Answer: Introducing into the diet of babies some supplementary food and reducing breastmilk

Weaning should be started around six months after birth. At this stage, supplementary food which are rich in nutrients are to be included in the babies diet along with breast milk at regular intervals. The baby ideally should be fully weaned at the age of two years when breastfeeding is often completely stopped.

Answer: Mastitis

It's mastitis. Proctitis is the inflammation of the rectum. Conjunctival inflammation in the eye is called conjunctivitis and inflammation of the gall bladder is called cholecystitis. So of course mastitis, which means inflammation of the breast tissue, will cause some difficulty in breast feeding. All though the others may do the same depending upon morbidity but for sure mastitis will pose a bigger hindrance.

Mastitis usually presents with pain, redness and fever. It can be caused by an infection by a bacteria.

Answer: Yes

Mastectomy is the removal of the breasts using surgery. It is usually done in patients with breast cancer.

One breast can still produce enough milk to keep the baby's nutrient needs satisfied. The mother has other options, such as hiring a wet nurse or using a pump to store breast milk for feeding.

After the mastectomy, if the mother is still on drugs, breastfeeding is not advised until after she has stopped using them and the drugs have left her system.

Answer: Rapid ejection of breast milk from nipple

It is the rapid ejection of breast milk during breastfeeding. This may be a big problem for infants to breastfeed as the rate at which milk is ejected is too fast. The infant may swallow too quickly and find it quite uncomfortable and may develop an aversion to breastfeeding. The infant may begin to reject breast milk, leading to lower nursing duration in total.

Answer: False

The baby does not empty the breasts, but the baby feeds until he or she is completely full and satisfied. Most women, no matter the size or stature of the woman, will produce enough milk to satisfy the infant.