Question

Which physiological process in the mother is stimulated by suckling during breastfeeding?

Options

• Progesterone elevation for breast tissue development

• Oestrogen secretion for hormonal balance

• Oxytocin release leading to uterine involution

• Increased prolactin production leading to milk synthesis

Answer 1

Suckling stimulates the release of oxytocin from the posterior pituitary, which not only triggers the let-down reflex for milk ejection but also causes uterine involution in the mother. Uterine involution is the process by which the uterus returns to its pre-pregnancy size after childbirth, an important aspect of postpartum recovery.