Question

Which nursing intervention would be most appropriate for a new mother that calls the nursery for help with breastfeeding?

1) Refer the mother for a home care visit.
2) Ask the mother to come to the emergency room.
3) Email the mother a link for breastfeeding.
4) Suggest that the mother bottle feed her infant.

Answer 1

The best nursing intervention for a new mother needing breastfeeding support is to refer her for a home care visit. This approach provides her with direct, hands-on support to troubleshoot any issues and to learn proper breastfeeding techniques.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most appropriate nursing intervention for a new mother calling for help with breastfeeding is to refer the mother for a home care visit. This ensures personalized, hands-on guidance and support, which is crucial for successful breastfeeding. An in-person home visit from a lactation consultant can address common breastfeeding challenges, teach proper latch techniques, and provide strategies to enhance milk production.

Through suckling, the infant triggers the release of oxytocin, which stimulates the contraction of myoepithelial cells in the mother's mammary glands. This process leads to milk ejection from the alveoli toward the nipple pores, ready to be consumed by the infant. To maintain a healthy milk supply and avoid issues such as breast engorgement, consistent breastfeeding or pumping is necessary. Sudden cessation of breastfeeding can lead to continued lactation and discomfort due to the body's established milk production routine.