Final answer:
Breast engorgement and leakage after stopping breastfeeding occur due to prolonged prolactin hormone activity, which causes continued milk production. This is characteristic of the body's initial response during early breastfeeding. Childbirth is propelled by a positive feedback loop that amplifies bodily responses to facilitate birth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Breast Engorgement Post-Breastfeeding
A woman who has stopped breastfeeding suddenly may experience breast engorgement and leakage because her body continues to produce milk in response to the prolactin hormone. This condition is similar to what occurs in the first few weeks of breastfeeding. The prolactin stimulates the mammary glands, causing the continued production of milk. The sudden cessation of breastfeeding does not immediately signal the body to stop milk production, which can lead to engorgement and possible leakage due to the milk accumulating in the breasts.
Positive Feedback Loop in Childbirth
During childbirth, the body engages in a positive feedback loop to facilitate the birth process. This loop results in the increase of oxytocin release when contractions occur, leading to more intense contractions, which then stimulate more oxytocin release. It is an accelerating process that propels childbirth to continue until the baby is born, unlike negative feedback mechanisms that aim to maintain homeostasis.