Certified Breastfeeding Counselor (CBC) Practice

Prolactin is a hormone that is primarily released by the pituitary gland. It is responsible for stimulating milk production in lactating individuals. During pregnancy, progesterone levels are high and inhibit the release of prolactin, but the placenta produces small amounts of the hormone to lay the groundwork for milk production.

After childbirth, the sudden drop in progesterone levels allows prolactin to be released in large amounts, signaling the body to start producing milk.

However, prolactin is not released specifically during pregnancy or after breastfeeding. It is only released when the placenta detaches from the uterine wall. Therefore, option D is the correct answer.