Description
The Breast Feeding Evaluation assesses the mother's ability to breastfeed her child. The test measures the levels of various hormones in the mother's blood that are crucial for lactation. The primary hormone that plays a key role in milk production is prolactin, which is produced by the pituitary gland. The test checks if the mother's body is producing enough prolactin to stimulate milk production. If the levels of prolactin are low, it could impact the amount of milk produced, which could lead to difficulties in breastfeeding.
The Breast Feeding Evaluation includes the following:
CBC Test or Complete Blood Count with Differential
Ionized Calcium
Prolactin
Vitamin B12 with Folate
Vitamin D
Fasting not required.
Additional information about each test is listed below:
CBC Test or Complete Blood Count with Differential: CBC measures certain blood cells such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, and seeks to explain a variety of conditions and/or diseases such as anemia, leukemia, and infections. It also helps evaluate symptoms such as fatigue, weakness or bruising. It is one of the most common blood tests used to monitor overall health status.
Ionized calcium, also known as free calcium, is the portion of calcium in your blood that is not bound to proteins. It's the physiologically active form of calcium and is essential for many bodily functions, including building strong bones and teeth, supporting heart function, helping with muscle contraction, nerve signaling, and blood clotting.
Prolactin – Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. Its main role is to stimulate milk production in the breasts of a lactating mother. Prolactin helps develop mammary glands during pregnancy and after childbirth, enabling the mother to produce milk for her baby. When a baby suckles at the breast, it sends signals to the mother's brain, triggering prolactin release. The more the baby feeds, the more prolactin is released, which helps to maintain milk production.
Vitamin B12 with Folate – Vitamin B12 with folate is an important vitamin for our body's overall health. Vitamin B12 helps in the production of DNA and red blood cells, while folate helps the body form new cells. During breastfeeding, the mother's body requires more vitamin B12 and folate to ensure the baby is getting the necessary nutrients. Vitamin B12 with folate helps prevent anemia and other health problems in both the mother and the baby.
Vitamin D – Vitamin D is a nutrient that our body needs to stay healthy. It helps our body absorb calcium, which is important for building strong bones. When it comes to breastfeeding, Vitamin D plays a crucial role in ensuring the baby receives adequate amounts from breast milk. Breast milk naturally contains some Vitamin D, but it may not be enough to meet the baby's daily needs. Breastfeeding mothers are often advised to take Vitamin D supplements to ensure that the baby gets enough Vitamin D. This way, the baby can get all the vitamin D they need to grow healthy and strong.
