Maternity Nursing: Postpartum Q 18
Which of the following interventions would be helpful to a breastfeeding mother who is experiencing engorged breasts?
A. Applying ice
B. Applying a breast binder
C. Teaching how to express her breasts in a warm shower
D. Administering bromocriptine (Parlodel)
Correct Answer: C. Teaching how to express her breasts in a warm shower.
Teaching the client how to express her breasts in warm shower aid with let-down and will give temporary relief. Breast engorgement is the result of increased blood flow in the breasts in the days after the delivery of a baby. The increased blood flow helps the breasts make ample milk, but it can also cause pain and discomfort.
Option A: Ice can promote comfort by vasoconstriction, numbing, and discouraging further letdown of milk. Using a warm compress, or taking a warm shower would encourage milk let down. The mother may also massage her breasts while nursing, or feed more regularly, or at least every one to three hours.
Option B: For those who don’t breastfeed, painful engorgement typically lasts about one day. After that period, the breasts may still feel full and heavy, but the discomfort and pain should subside. The mother may wear a supportive bra that prevents her breasts from moving significantly.
Option D: Breast engorgement is swelling and inflammation that occurs in the breasts because of increased blood flow and milk supply. In the days and weeks after giving birth, the body will begin to produce milk. The mother may take pain medication approved by her doctor. Bromocriptine (Parlodel) is used to treat symptoms of hyperprolactinemia (high levels of a natural substance called prolactin in the body) including lack of menstrual periods, discharge from the nipples, infertility (difficulty becoming pregnant), and hypogonadism (low levels of certain natural substances needed for normal development and sexual function).