Question

The nurse notes that a woman who has given birth 1 hour ago is touching her infant with the fingertips and talking to him softly in high-pitched tones. On the basis of this observation, the nurse should

a. document this evidence of normal early maternal-infant attachment behavior.
b. observe for other signs that the mother may not be accepting of the infant.
c. request a social service consult for psychosocial support.
d. determine whether the mother is too fatigued to interact normally with her infant.

Answer 1

The woman's behavior of touching her newborn with her fingertips and talking softly in high-pitched tones is a sign of normal early maternal-infant attachment behavior and should be documented as such by the nurse. This behavior is important for the newborn’s healthy psychosocial development and the development of a strong maternal-infant bond. The correct option is A.

Step-by-step explanation:

The observation that a woman who has given birth 1 hour ago is touching her infant with the fingertips and talking to him softly in high-pitched tones is indicative of normal early maternal-infant attachment behavior. This behavior aligns with the findings of attachment theory, where a primary caregiver, often the mother, forms a close emotional bond with her infant, which is crucial for the child's social and emotional development.

Gentle touch and soft speech are ways a mother can express comfort and security, which are critical components of healthy psychosocial development of the newborn.

Newborns show a significant response to sense of touch and voice. They find soft stroking, cuddling, and gentle rocking soothing, and they show a preference for their mother's voice over that of a stranger. Given this understanding of the newborn's sensory experiences and attachment needs, the nurse should recognize and document the mother's behavior as normal and positive in terms of developing a strong maternal-infant bond.