Maternity Nursing Q 159
To ensure adequate lactation the nurse should teach the mother to:
A. Breastfeed the baby on self-demand day and night.
B. Feed primarily during the day and allow the baby to sleep through the night.
C. Feed the baby every 3-4 hours following a strict schedule.
D. Breastfeed when the breasts are engorged to ensure adequate supply.
Correct Answer: A. Breastfeed the baby on self-demand day and night
Feeding on self-demand means the mother feeds the baby according to the baby’s need. Therefore, this means there will be regular emptying of the breasts, which is essential to maintain adequate lactation.
Option B: Some newborns wake up and breastfeed every 2 to 3 hours like clockwork, but that’s not always the case. The baby may want to breastfeed many times in a short period, and then he might sleep for a little longer. This type of feeding is called cluster or bunch feeding. Other babies are sleepy, especially in the very early days, so the mother may have to wake the baby up to breastfeed. All of these patterns are normal. As long as the child is getting enough breast milk and growing well, there is nothing to worry.
Option C: On average, a breastfed newborn eats approximately every 2 to 3 hours around the clock. That’s about 8 to 12 times in a 24-hour period. Newborn have little stomachs and ?breast milk is easily digested, so they should breastfeed often.
Option D: In the beginning, breastfeed the newborn for as long as she will stay on the breast. Continue to breastfeed until there are signs that the child is satisfied. This way, the mother can be sure that the baby is getting enough breast milk at each feeding. Plus, keeping the baby breastfeeding longer, stimulates milk production and helps the mother to build up her breast milk supply.