Question

A nurse is providing information regarding breastfeeding to the parents of a newborn. which of the following statements should the nurse make?

a) Breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months.
b) Formula-fed babies are less likely to develop allergies.
c) Breast milk composition remains constant throughout lactation.
d) Supplementing with water is essential for hydration.

Answer 1

Supplementing with water is not necessary for breastfed newborns because colostrum and mature breast milk provide all the hydration and nutrients necessary, and breast milk changes during a feeding to satisfy both thirst and hunger.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse should inform the parents that supplementing with water is not necessary for a newborn who is breastfeeding. Colostrum, the first form of milk produced after birth, is highly beneficial as it provides immunoglobulins to boost the newborn's immune system. The composition of breast milk changes during lactation; initially, colostrum is produced, which then transitions to mature milk.

The foremilk and hindmilk in mature milk serve to satisfy thirst and hunger, respectively. Moreover, colostrum and mature breast milk provide all necessary fluids for the infant, negating the need for additional water, especially since newborns' kidneys produce very dilute urine and cannot concentrate urine well. Therefore, breast milk alone sufficiently hydrates the infant during the first 4-6 months of life.