Certified Breastfeeding Counselor (CBC) Practice

What growth occurs during Lactogenesis 1 influenced by hormones?

1. Ductal growth only

2. Lobular growth only

3. Alveolar growth only

4. Ductal and Lobular growth

The correct answer is: Ductal and Lobular growth

During Lactogenesis 1, which is the period where the breast prepares for milk production during pregnancy, both ductal and lobular growth are influenced by hormones. Ductal growth refers to the branching network of ducts that carry the milk from the lobules to the nipple, while lobular growth involves the development and proliferation of alveoli within the lobules where milk is produced. These growth processes are under the control of hormonal changes, mainly estrogen and progesterone, followed by the decrease in these hormones and the rise in prolactin levels, which triggers the onset of milk production. Therefore, the correct answer is D because both ductal and lobular growth are integral parts of preparing the breast for lactation during Lactogenesis 1.