NSPN 7150 EXAMS SET 2025/2026 QUESTIONS WITH
ANSWERS TAGGED A+
✔✔Explain lactogenesis 2 - ✔✔This occurs 2-3 days postpartum and is the onset of
copious milk production. Mothers feel this stage as the milk "coming in." This process is
under endocrine (hormonal) control. If the infant fails to begin to suck and remove milk
from the breast, the secretion of milk will decline
✔✔Explain galactopoiesis? - ✔✔Maintaining the production of milk.
Refers to maintaining the production of milk or the maintenance of established milk
secretion. The composition of the milk changes so that by about day 10, it is called
"mature milk." This process is under autocrine control and is dependent on infant
suckling (milk removal)
✔✔Explain involution? - ✔✔This process takes about 40 days after the last feeding.
Both the experience of the mother and the composition of her milk will be different if the
process is abrupt or gradual. Levels of sodium, chloride, protein, and lactose outside of
typical norms suggest weaning or mastitis
✔✔Lactogenesis is under what control? - ✔✔endocrine (hormonal) control
✔✔Galactopoiesis is under what control? - ✔✔autrocrine control
✔✔Do infants need water in first 6 months of life? - ✔✔In the first six months of an
infant's life, they do not need any water, even in hot and dry climates, as the majority of
human milk is made of water (87%)
✔✔Properties and Components of Carbohydrates in milk - ✔✔-7% of the composition of
mature milk-Major carbohydrate is lactose which supplies 10% of caloric needs. -
Lactose metabolizes into galactose and glucose which supplies energy. Slow
breakdown and absorption increases Ca absorption and facilitates passage of
meconium and excretion of bilirubin-Oligosaccharides. play a role in protecting the gut
from organisms by promoting growth of bifidus factors which promote growth of
lactobacillus bifidus (probiotics), increase acidity in the intestinal environment (prevents
necrotizing enterocolitis) and inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria
✔✔Properties and Components of Protein in milk - ✔✔Level of protein is not affected by
the diet. Levels change to meet nutritional need of the infant.Whey (lactoalbumin) is a
smoother protein that forms soft curds taht are quickly digested which provides a
continuous supply of nutrients to the infant resulting in loose stools and needs to eat
frequently. 90% in early lactation and 60% in matureLactoferrin is a whey protein that
that deprives pathogens of iron preventing harmful growth. Also promotes growth of
lactobacillus bifidus which enhances absorption of iron. higher % in preterm milk. not
present in formulaCasien (curd) is a tough less digestible curd that requires high
,expenditure for an incomplete digestive process. Enhances the absorption of iron
preventing iron dependent bacteria from growing
✔✔Properties and Components of Fat in milk - ✔✔Main source of calories (50%). Most
variable component from mother to mother and early to later lactation. Diet does not
affect the amount of fat but influences the composition of fatty acids.Content changes
through feeding (lower level at beginning and higher at the end).Fatty acids are
important for growth, vision and neuro development. Very few fatty acids in regular
milkCholesterol levels are higher in breastmilk. long term cardiovascular benefits.
✔✔Properties and Components of WBCs in milk - ✔✔Neurophils are most common.
Ingest and kill foreign bacteria. Produce and activate components of immune
system.Lymphocytes T and B. create antibodies and target specific microbes. send out
chemical messages to mobilize other defences. Strengthens infants own immune
response.Doubles the size of the thymus gland that produces tcells. small thymuses
result in low birth weight, malnutrition, infections and higher mortality
✔✔Properties and Components of Secretory immunoglobulins (Sig) - ✔✔Igs are
antibodies that play a role in mucosal immunity. Appear in mucous membranes in resp
and GI tract. contains antiviral, antiparasitic and antibacterial properties90% are IgA
which fights infection without inflammation for the first 4-6 weeks IgA is low and takes
several months before production occurs. It takes 2 years before adult levels are
produced
✔✔Explain functions on leptin? - ✔✔-Regulation of body fat
-Regulation of food intake and body weight
-Recognition of hunger and appetite
-Metabolism of sugars and lipids
✔✔Explain functions of adiponectin ? - ✔✔-Metabolism of sugars and lipids
-Mediation of insulin sensitization in peripheral tissues (lower levels of adiponectin are
associated with decreased insulin sensitivity or increased insulin resistance)
✔✔What 2 hormones play a role in milk production? - ✔✔Prolactin and oxytocin
✔✔Role of Prolactin - ✔✔-It causes alveoli to produce milk—that is, it is responsible for
milk production.
-Its levels increase with suckling.
-Its levels increase with sleep.
-Mothers may feel sleepy and relaxed due to prolactin.
-Breastfeeding early and often increases the number of prolactin receptors.
✔✔Prolactin patho - ✔✔Prolactin levels rise throughout pregnancy. Progesterone
(pregnancy hormone produced by the placenta) blocks prolactin's role in milk
, production. Once the complete placenta is delivered, and the inhibiting influence of
progesterone is gone, prolactin causes copious production of milk
✔✔Role of oxytocin - ✔✔-It causes contraction of the myoepithelial (muscle) cells
around the alveoli causing milk to flow down the ducts ('milk ejection reflex' or 'letdown')
- responsible for milk ejection.
-It causes contraction of the uterus, decreasing the risk of postpartum hemorrhage.
-It increases blood flow to the breast for milk production and decreases blood pressure
for the cardiovascular system.
-It helps calm the mother, decreases stress, raises pain threshold, and enhances the
mother's ability to interact with her infant.
-It promotes bonding and mood homeostasis.
-It mobilizes nutrients, hunger/ satiety, and hormones for the GI system
✔✔Patho of oxytocin - ✔✔Oxytocin receptors in breasts increase in sensitivity during
pregnancy. Skin to skin increases oxytocin as receptors in breast, uterus and brain.
Oxytocin released in response to touch, smell, sight and sounds so massage of infants
hands on breast and suckling causes surge in oxytocin.Released from blood stream
and by nerve centres so has direct impact. Effects males and females.
✔✔Milk removal depends of the infant feeding - ✔✔Often enough
Long enough
Well enough
✔✔Key principles supporting breastmilk production (3 E's) - ✔✔Early and often (skin to
skin immediately, frequent feeds)Effective feeding (effective latch, active sucking,
complete feeds)Exclusive breastfeeding (no artificial nipples)
✔✔Autocrine control - ✔✔As alveolar lumen fills components in the milk signal
secretory cells to slow down milk synthesis (feedback inhibitor of lactation). The emptier
the breast the faster it tries to refill. Initial milk production is endocrine (hormonal)
maintenance is autocrine and nipple stimulation and milk removal is essential
✔✔What would be a simple treatment for a mother with high blood pressure after birth?
- ✔✔Skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding her infant.
A simultaneous and closed secretion of oxytocin occurs in brain regions of the mother,
where it has a calming effect, lowers maternal blood pressure and cortisol levels,
decreases anxiety and aggressive behaviour, and permeates the areas of the brain
associated with mothering and bonding behaviours.
✔✔Causes of primary insufficiency - ✔✔-Insufficient growth and development of breasts
(rare that mothers develop insufficient glandular tissue to sustain milk production. may
not notice breast changes during pregnancy or asymetrical)-polycystic ovarian
syndrome (hypoplasia and large breasts with little breast tissue-Insufficient glandular
tissue (asymmetry of breast, minimal changes during pregnancy 1% of women)
ANSWERS TAGGED A+
✔✔Explain lactogenesis 2 - ✔✔This occurs 2-3 days postpartum and is the onset of
copious milk production. Mothers feel this stage as the milk "coming in." This process is
under endocrine (hormonal) control. If the infant fails to begin to suck and remove milk
from the breast, the secretion of milk will decline
✔✔Explain galactopoiesis? - ✔✔Maintaining the production of milk.
Refers to maintaining the production of milk or the maintenance of established milk
secretion. The composition of the milk changes so that by about day 10, it is called
"mature milk." This process is under autocrine control and is dependent on infant
suckling (milk removal)
✔✔Explain involution? - ✔✔This process takes about 40 days after the last feeding.
Both the experience of the mother and the composition of her milk will be different if the
process is abrupt or gradual. Levels of sodium, chloride, protein, and lactose outside of
typical norms suggest weaning or mastitis
✔✔Lactogenesis is under what control? - ✔✔endocrine (hormonal) control
✔✔Galactopoiesis is under what control? - ✔✔autrocrine control
✔✔Do infants need water in first 6 months of life? - ✔✔In the first six months of an
infant's life, they do not need any water, even in hot and dry climates, as the majority of
human milk is made of water (87%)
✔✔Properties and Components of Carbohydrates in milk - ✔✔-7% of the composition of
mature milk-Major carbohydrate is lactose which supplies 10% of caloric needs. -
Lactose metabolizes into galactose and glucose which supplies energy. Slow
breakdown and absorption increases Ca absorption and facilitates passage of
meconium and excretion of bilirubin-Oligosaccharides. play a role in protecting the gut
from organisms by promoting growth of bifidus factors which promote growth of
lactobacillus bifidus (probiotics), increase acidity in the intestinal environment (prevents
necrotizing enterocolitis) and inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria
✔✔Properties and Components of Protein in milk - ✔✔Level of protein is not affected by
the diet. Levels change to meet nutritional need of the infant.Whey (lactoalbumin) is a
smoother protein that forms soft curds taht are quickly digested which provides a
continuous supply of nutrients to the infant resulting in loose stools and needs to eat
frequently. 90% in early lactation and 60% in matureLactoferrin is a whey protein that
that deprives pathogens of iron preventing harmful growth. Also promotes growth of
lactobacillus bifidus which enhances absorption of iron. higher % in preterm milk. not
present in formulaCasien (curd) is a tough less digestible curd that requires high
,expenditure for an incomplete digestive process. Enhances the absorption of iron
preventing iron dependent bacteria from growing
✔✔Properties and Components of Fat in milk - ✔✔Main source of calories (50%). Most
variable component from mother to mother and early to later lactation. Diet does not
affect the amount of fat but influences the composition of fatty acids.Content changes
through feeding (lower level at beginning and higher at the end).Fatty acids are
important for growth, vision and neuro development. Very few fatty acids in regular
milkCholesterol levels are higher in breastmilk. long term cardiovascular benefits.
✔✔Properties and Components of WBCs in milk - ✔✔Neurophils are most common.
Ingest and kill foreign bacteria. Produce and activate components of immune
system.Lymphocytes T and B. create antibodies and target specific microbes. send out
chemical messages to mobilize other defences. Strengthens infants own immune
response.Doubles the size of the thymus gland that produces tcells. small thymuses
result in low birth weight, malnutrition, infections and higher mortality
✔✔Properties and Components of Secretory immunoglobulins (Sig) - ✔✔Igs are
antibodies that play a role in mucosal immunity. Appear in mucous membranes in resp
and GI tract. contains antiviral, antiparasitic and antibacterial properties90% are IgA
which fights infection without inflammation for the first 4-6 weeks IgA is low and takes
several months before production occurs. It takes 2 years before adult levels are
produced
✔✔Explain functions on leptin? - ✔✔-Regulation of body fat
-Regulation of food intake and body weight
-Recognition of hunger and appetite
-Metabolism of sugars and lipids
✔✔Explain functions of adiponectin ? - ✔✔-Metabolism of sugars and lipids
-Mediation of insulin sensitization in peripheral tissues (lower levels of adiponectin are
associated with decreased insulin sensitivity or increased insulin resistance)
✔✔What 2 hormones play a role in milk production? - ✔✔Prolactin and oxytocin
✔✔Role of Prolactin - ✔✔-It causes alveoli to produce milk—that is, it is responsible for
milk production.
-Its levels increase with suckling.
-Its levels increase with sleep.
-Mothers may feel sleepy and relaxed due to prolactin.
-Breastfeeding early and often increases the number of prolactin receptors.
✔✔Prolactin patho - ✔✔Prolactin levels rise throughout pregnancy. Progesterone
(pregnancy hormone produced by the placenta) blocks prolactin's role in milk
, production. Once the complete placenta is delivered, and the inhibiting influence of
progesterone is gone, prolactin causes copious production of milk
✔✔Role of oxytocin - ✔✔-It causes contraction of the myoepithelial (muscle) cells
around the alveoli causing milk to flow down the ducts ('milk ejection reflex' or 'letdown')
- responsible for milk ejection.
-It causes contraction of the uterus, decreasing the risk of postpartum hemorrhage.
-It increases blood flow to the breast for milk production and decreases blood pressure
for the cardiovascular system.
-It helps calm the mother, decreases stress, raises pain threshold, and enhances the
mother's ability to interact with her infant.
-It promotes bonding and mood homeostasis.
-It mobilizes nutrients, hunger/ satiety, and hormones for the GI system
✔✔Patho of oxytocin - ✔✔Oxytocin receptors in breasts increase in sensitivity during
pregnancy. Skin to skin increases oxytocin as receptors in breast, uterus and brain.
Oxytocin released in response to touch, smell, sight and sounds so massage of infants
hands on breast and suckling causes surge in oxytocin.Released from blood stream
and by nerve centres so has direct impact. Effects males and females.
✔✔Milk removal depends of the infant feeding - ✔✔Often enough
Long enough
Well enough
✔✔Key principles supporting breastmilk production (3 E's) - ✔✔Early and often (skin to
skin immediately, frequent feeds)Effective feeding (effective latch, active sucking,
complete feeds)Exclusive breastfeeding (no artificial nipples)
✔✔Autocrine control - ✔✔As alveolar lumen fills components in the milk signal
secretory cells to slow down milk synthesis (feedback inhibitor of lactation). The emptier
the breast the faster it tries to refill. Initial milk production is endocrine (hormonal)
maintenance is autocrine and nipple stimulation and milk removal is essential
✔✔What would be a simple treatment for a mother with high blood pressure after birth?
- ✔✔Skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding her infant.
A simultaneous and closed secretion of oxytocin occurs in brain regions of the mother,
where it has a calming effect, lowers maternal blood pressure and cortisol levels,
decreases anxiety and aggressive behaviour, and permeates the areas of the brain
associated with mothering and bonding behaviours.
✔✔Causes of primary insufficiency - ✔✔-Insufficient growth and development of breasts
(rare that mothers develop insufficient glandular tissue to sustain milk production. may
not notice breast changes during pregnancy or asymetrical)-polycystic ovarian
syndrome (hypoplasia and large breasts with little breast tissue-Insufficient glandular
tissue (asymmetry of breast, minimal changes during pregnancy 1% of women)
