What sign may indicate that a breastfeeding mother is experiencing stress?

• A. Increased milk production
• B. Milk let-down occurring smoothly
• C. Painful experiences while pumping
• D. Frequent hunger

Answer: (C)

A sign that a breastfeeding mother is experiencing stress can indeed be reflected in painful experiences while pumping. Stress can physically affect a mother's body in various ways, including the release of hormones like cortisol, which can interfere with the milk ejection reflex and lead to discomfort during pumping sessions. This discomfort can stem from tension in the muscles involved in breastfeeding or pumping, which might prevent the mother from being able to relax fully, a necessary condition for smooth milk flow.

In contrast, increased milk production, smooth milk let-down, and frequent hunger are not directly correlated with stress. Increased production and a smooth let-down are typically signs of a relaxed and comfortable breastfeeding situation. Frequent hunger could indicate nutritional needs but is not specifically an indicator of stress related to breastfeeding.