Which hormone is released post-birth to stimulate milk production?

Which hormone is released post-birth to stimulate milk production?

• A. Estrogen
• B. Oxytocin
• C. Prolactin
• D. Relaxin

Answer: (C)

The hormone that is released post-birth to stimulate milk production is prolactin. After childbirth, prolactin plays a crucial role in initiating and maintaining lactation. It promotes the growth of the mammary glands and triggers milk synthesis in response to the suckling stimulus from the infant. Prolactin levels increase during pregnancy; however, the significant rise just after delivery is essential for the production of milk, enabling mothers to breastfeed their newborns.

In contrast, estrogen and oxytocin, although important in other aspects of lactation and maternal behavior, do not directly stimulate milk production. Estrogen is primarily involved in breast development during pregnancy, while oxytocin is responsible for the ejection of milk from the glands during breastfeeding rather than its production. Relaxin, on the other hand, is involved in preparing the body for childbirth and does not have a role in milk production. Thus, prolactin is specifically linked to milk synthesis in the postpartum period, making it the correct choice.