SUPPRESSED PROLACTIN BUT NORMAL NEUROPHYSIN LEVELS IN CIGARETTE SMOKING BREAST‐FEEDING WOMEN

Abstract
The hormonal responses to breast-feeding were studied during the 1st 3 post-partum wk in 10 women smoking > 15 cigarettes/day and in a control group. Basal PRL [prolactin] levels were significantly lower in smokers compared with nonsmokers, but suckling induced acute increments in serum PRL and oxytocin-linked neurophysin, which were not influenced by smoking. The lactational pattern was normal, but smokers weaned their babies significantly earlier compared with nonsmokers. Heavy cigarette smoking women had lower basal PRL levels and this may have shortened the period of lactation.