Question

A client who is breast-feeding her infant is experiencing breast engorgement. The nurse suggests breast pumping to relieve the breast engorgement. Which instruction should the nurse provide?

a) Pump for 5 minutes on each breast every 4 hours
b) Pump until the breasts feel soft and comfortable
c) Avoid pumping; use warm compresses instead
d) Pump only when the infant is not hungry

Answer 1

To alleviate breast engorgement in a breast-feeding client, the nurse should instruct to pump until the breasts feel soft and comfortable, as this helps regulate the milk supply to the infant's demand.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a client who is breast-feeding her infant is experiencing breast engorgement, the nurse may suggest breast pumping to relieve the discomfort. An appropriate instruction would be to pump until the breasts feel soft and comfortable. This action helps to alleviate the pressure and pain associated with engorgement by removing excess milk. During the first few weeks of breastfeeding, when the balance of milk supply and infant demand is being established, engorgement and leakage can occur. Pumping can help regulate this and prevent complications like mastitis. It's important for the lactation process that the milk supply adjusts to the infant's demand, and pumping can aid in maintaining this balance. Encouraging the client to pump as needed will help accommodate her individual lactation needs and provide relief.