Newborn Nursing Care Q 33

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The nurse is preparing to discharge a multipara 24 hours after a vaginal delivery. The client is breastfeeding her newborn. The nurse instructs the client that if engorgement occurs the client should:

  

     A. wear a tight fitting bra or breast binder.

     B. apply warm, moist heat to the breasts.

     C. contact the nurse-midwife for a lactation suppressant.

     D. restrict fluid intake to 1000 ml daily.

    

    

Correct Answer: B. apply warm, moist heat to the breasts.

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Option B: Moist heat has this amazing ability to increase circulation, open milk ducts and stimulate let down – all of which encourage the milk to start flowing.

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Option A: If a bra is worn, it should be big enough or stretchy enough to allow for expansion if breasts fill during the night hours; a bra that is too tight can cause soreness and potential problems such as blocked ducts.

Option C: The simplest and safest way to suppress lactation is to let milk production stop on its own.

Option D: Research has found that nursing mothers do not need to drink more fluids than what’s necessary to satisfy their thirst.

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