Health Promotion and Maintenance Q 127
The nurse is providing postpartum teaching for a mother planning to breastfeed her infant. Which of the client’s statements indicates the need for additional teaching?
A. "I’m wearing a support bra."
B. "I’m expressing milk from my breast."
C. "I’m drinking four glasses of fluid during a 24-hour period."
D. "While I’m in the shower, I’ll allow the water to run over my breasts."
Correct Answer: C. “I’m drinking four glasses of fluid during a 24-hour period.”
Mothers who plan to breastfeed should drink plenty of liquids, and four glasses are not enough in a 24-hour period. Women need extra support, encouragement, and reassurance while breastfeeding. Although we view breastfeeding as a natural process, it is still a skill that has to be learned. Initially, breastfeeding can seem demanding, as the baby may have a desire to feed/suck frequently. Babies, however, begin to establish their own pattern over time, and the mother will begin to feel more comfortable and at ease.
Option A: Wearing a support bra is a good practice for the mother who is breastfeeding as well as the mother who plans to bottle-feed. A comfortable, soft, cotton nursing bra is a good choice for both day and night, and a sports bra style may also make a comfortable bra for nighttime use.
Option B: Expressing milk from the breast will stimulate milk production. If it is necessary to express breast milk, show the mother how to do this and show her how to feed expressed breast milk by the cup. You may need to refer her to a trained infant feeding counselor for this.
Option D: Allowing the water to run over the breast will also facilitate “letdown,” when the milk begins to be produced; thus, answer D is incorrect. Some women also find that the initial ‘let down’ reflex is very strong which causes them pain or they get strong after-pains as their wombs contract. Reassure them that this will pass. The ‘let down’ reflex may also cause them to leak milk when they have sexual intercourse. Reassure them that this is normal and that they may need to tell their husband or partner that this is normal.