I am reviewing my A&P of the breast for a presentation I am giving, and came
across the following fact from Bf&HL: "Placental hormones enter fetal
circulation and stimulate formation of channels of the branched epithilial
tissue. This process continues until the fetus is 32 weeks old. From 32 to
40 weeks' gestation, lobular-alveolar structures containing colostrum
develop."

My question is this: If a female infant is born at 30-31 weeks and survives,
so did not have the placental hormones to stimulate development-will that
female develop functional breast tissue and be able to lactate as an adult?
This may be a stupid question, I have no knowledge of embyology, but I am
wondering if we will start seeing more women who have breastfeeding problems
as a result of their embryonic development(as these very premie infants
reach adulthood). Will our lactation histories have to include asking what
the mother's gestational age was at birth? Just wondering...
My grey cells are overheating.
Diana

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