Which statement describes prolactin's mood-related effect?

• A. Mood-elevating and calming effects on the mother
• B. Increasing anxiety
• C. Inhibiting lactation
• D. Causing sedation

Answer: (A)

Prolactin's mood-related effect is mood-elevating and calming for the mother. While its primary role is enabling milk production, prolactin also supports maternal behavior and emotional well-being by promoting calmness and bonding during caregiving. This hormonal influence helps the mother feel more connected and less stressed in the postpartum and breastfeeding periods, which is why it is described as mood-elevating and calming. It does not typically increase anxiety, and it does not cause sedation; those effects would not align with prolactin’s role in supporting nurturing, responsive motherhood. Additionally, prolactin does not inhibit lactation—on the contrary, it facilitates milk production, so statements claiming increased anxiety, sedation, or inhibition of lactation do not fit with prolactin’s overall impact.