Question

A nurse is teaching a new mother about signs of effective breastfeeding of her newborn. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. Expect your baby to have less than 5 wet diapers per day after the fourth day of life.
Rationale: The nurse should instruct the mother that ineffective breastfeeding is indicated by the infant having less than six wet diapers per day after the fourth day of life, and to notify the provider.
B. Your baby can lose 5% of body weight during the first 3 days of life.
Rationale: The nurse should instruct the mother that the baby can have a weight loss between 5% and 6% of their birth weight during the first 3 days of life. Breastfed infants usually regain birth weight by their second or third week of life.
C. Your baby should gain 0.25 oz (7 grams) per day after the fourth day of life.
Rationale: The nurse should instruct the mother that the baby should gain at least 0.5 oz (14 g) per day after the fourth day of life.
D. Expect your baby to feed constantly the first week of life.
Rationale: The nurse should instruct the mother that if the baby is feeding constantly, breast feeding may be ineffective and should notify the provider.

Answer 1

The nurse should include information about weight loss, weight gain, and constant feeding in the teaching about effective breastfeeding.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should include the following information in the teaching:

1. Your baby can lose 5% of body weight during the first 3 days of life. The nurse should inform the mother that it is normal for newborns to lose a small amount of weight in the first few days after birth. A weight loss of 5% to 6% of their birth weight is considered normal during the first 3 days of life.
2. Your baby should gain 0.25 oz (7 grams) per day after the fourth day of life. The nurse should instruct the mother that after the first few days, a healthy newborn should start gaining weight. They should gain at least 0.5 oz (14 g) per day after the fourth day of life.
3. Expect your baby to feed constantly the first week of life. The nurse should inform the mother that if the baby is constantly feeding, it may indicate ineffective breastfeeding and she should notify the healthcare provider.