Maternal predictors of early breast milk output
Ingram, J.C.; Woolridge, M.W.; Greenwood, R.J.; McGrath, L.
Acta Paediatrica 88(5): 493-499
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0803-5253 PMID: 10426170 DOI: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.1999.tb00164.xDocument Number: 533111
The quantitative relationship between maternal hormone concentrations and early milk output was investigated using multivariate analysis from June 1994 to August 1996. 91 women of mixed parity and similar socio-economic status and education were selected from Bristol, England. Hormone (oestradiol, progesterone, prolactin and thyrotropin (TSH)) concentrations were determined at 4 time points (ante- and post-natally) from finger-prick blood spots by fluoro-immunoassay. Milk output at 1 and 4 weeks was determined from 24-h test weighings. Parity was the most significant factor affecting milk volume at 1 week post partum (multiparous women delivered 142 ml more milk in 24 h than primiparous women). Time spent breast-feeding was highly associated with breast milk volume, with increasing time having a negative effect. Multiple regression analysis, controlling for parity and time spent breast-feeding, showed a positive association of milk output at 1 week with antenatal progesterone and antenatal prolactin concentrations. At 4 weeks, higher post partum oestradiol concentrations had a negative association and antenatal progesterone a positive association with milk output. It was concluded that there were quantitative associations between antenatal maternal hormone concentrations and milk output in the early post-natal period.