Certified Breastfeeding Counselor (CBC) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, and its primary role in breastfeeding is to stimulate milk production in the mammary glands. When a baby suckles at the breast, the nerve endings in the nipple send signals to the brain to release prolactin. This hormone then promotes the growth of mammary tissue and triggers the production of milk, ensuring that the mother can provide nourishment for her infant.

Understanding the function of prolactin is crucial for breastfeeding mothers, as higher levels of this hormone generally correspond to effective milk supply. This knowledge can guide mothers in their breastfeeding experiences, supporting their ability to produce enough milk for their babies. The other options, while related to various aspects of breastfeeding and maternal physiology, do not correctly define the unique and critical role prolactin plays in stimulating milk production.