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Lactation

Haley M Gorie, MD Reviewed 06/2022
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Lactation is the production and secretion of milk by the mammary glands for the purpose of providing infant nutrition.

  • Lactation suppression is the termination of physiologic milk pro...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Presence of normal breast changes and growth during pregnancy

  • Maternal risk factors for lactation

PHYSICAL EXAM

  • Inspect breasts for abnormal developments, inverted nipples, and color of ...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • During pregnancy:

    • No treatment is necessary to promote lactation.

    • Inverted nipples can be everted with breast cups worn inside the brassiere for the last 6 weeks of pregnancy.

  • A...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months of life and continuing with supplementation for an additional 6 months

  • CDC and AAP recommend that vitamin D supplementation ...

REFERENCES

1
Mortel  M, Mehta  SD. Systematic review of the efficacy of herbal galactogogues. J Hum Lact.  2013; 29(2): 154– 162.  [View Abstract] ...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • American Academy of Pediatrics; the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.  Breastfeeding Handbook for Physicians. 2nd ed. Washington, DC: America...

CODES

ICD10

  • Z39.1 Encounter for care and examination of lactating mother

  • O92.5 Suppressed lactation

  • O92.70 Unspecified disorders of lactation

  • O92.79 Other disorders of lactation

  • O92.3 Agalactia

SNOMED

  • 278413...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Maternal vitamin D levels are commonly too low to allow for adequate vitamin D transfer into the milk; therefore, breastfed infants should receive vitamin D supplementation 400 IU dail...

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