Question

After teaching a group of pregnant women about breastfeeding, the nurse determines that the teaching was successful when the group identifies which hormone as important for the production of breast milk after childbirth?

a) Estrogen
b) Prolactin
c) Oxytocin
d) Progesterone

Answer 1

Prolactin is the hormone important for the production of breast milk after childbirth. It is released in response to breastfeeding and causes the mammary glands to produce milk.

Step-by-step explanation:

Prolactin is the hormone that is important for the production of breast milk after childbirth. When the baby begins suckling at the breast, signals are sent to the hypothalamus causing the release of prolactin from the anterior pituitary. Prolactin causes the mammary glands to produce milk. Oxytocin is also released, promoting the release of the milk.