In breastfeeding mothers, production of which hormones increases?

• A. Oxytocin and Prolactin
• B. Estrogen and Progesterone
• C. Adrenaline and Cortisol
• D. Prolactin and Estrogen

Answer: (A)

The main process at play is the coordination of milk production and milk ejection. Prolactin rises to drive milk production in the milk-producing cells of the breast, ensuring a steady supply of milk for the infant. Oxytocin rises as well, triggered by the baby’s suckling, and it causes the let-down reflex that ejects milk from the milk glands into the ducts so the infant can feed.

Estrogen and progesterone are high during pregnancy and fall after birth, so they aren’t the hormones that increase to support lactation. Adrenaline and cortisol are stress-related hormones and aren’t the primary drivers of milk production or ejection. Prolactin and estrogen aren’t the best pairing here because estrogen levels don’t increase to support breastfeeding; they actually decrease after delivery.

So, the hormones that increase in breastfeeding mothers are oxytocin and prolactin.