Final answer:
The nurse should inform parents that breast milk is nutritionally complete for the first 6 months, cow's milk is not suitable as a substitute, and supplemental water is usually unnecessary. Iron-fortified formulas are designed to be complete but are different from breast milk.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse providing information about breastfeeding to new parents should emphasize that breast milk is nutritionally complete for an infant up to 6 months of age. This liquid gold harbors all the hydration and nutrients needed for a baby's development. Especially important is the colostrum, which is present during the first few days after birth and boosts the newborn's immune system with vital immunoglobulins, apart from preparing the infant's digestive system to expel meconium and clear bilirubin.
It is essential to note that cow's milk is not a suitable substitute for breast milk during the first year of life as it contains higher protein and mineral content while being lower in fat and lactose, making it challenging for the infant's immature digestive system to process. Moreover, when it comes to hydration, supplemental water is generally not needed for breastfeeding infants under 6 months old as breast milk provides sufficient fluid intake.
Lastly, should a parent decide to stop breastfeeding, it's important to highlight that iron-fortified infant formulas are designed to be nutritionally complete for an infant, although they are different from breast milk. Therefore, it would be incorrect to suggest that formulas are nutritionally inferior to breast milk, but rather that each has a different composition catering to an infant's needs.