Question

A woman gave birth 48 hours ago to a healthy infant girl. She has decided to bottle-feed. During your assessment you notice that both of her breasts are swollen, warm, and tender on palpation. The woman should be advised that this condition can best be treated by:_____________.

A. Running warm water on her breasts during a showerB. Applying ice to the breasts for comfortC. Expressing small amounts of milk from the breasts to relieve pressureD. Wearing a loose-fitting bra to prevent nipple irritation

Answer 1

B. Applying ice to the breasts for comfort

Step-by-step explanation:

As soon as a mother has given birth, the body naturally prepares for breastfeeding. However, some mothers choose not to breastfeed, and instead use a bottle to feed their babies. Applying an ice pack or cabbage leaves can reduce swelling and tenderness. The breasts being swollen and tender are known as engorgement.

A mother who is bottle feeding should avoid any lactation, including option C which suggests relieving pressure on the breasts. This will make matters worse because the body will then produce even more milk.

A loose-fitting bra will also not help because the bra may rub against the nipples which will further stimulate lactation.