Question

After delivering her second baby, the client tells the nurse that she wants to breast-feed this baby. She indicates that she was unsuccessful at breast-feeding her first child and that she bottle-fed after 3 days of trying to nurse. Which of the following responses would best support this client's breast-feeding efforts?

a) "Don't worry, it will be easier this time. Just keep trying."
b) "If it becomes difficult, switch to formula feeding right away."
c) "Consider pumping and bottle-feeding to avoid nipple pain."
d) "Let's discuss the challenges you faced last time and develop a plan.

Answer 1

It's best to discuss past challenges and create a plan to support breastfeeding efforts, acknowledging initial challenges while also understanding the body's ability to adapt milk supply to the baby's demand.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best way to support this client's breast-feeding efforts would be answer d) "Let's discuss the challenges you faced last time and develop a plan." This approach involves engaging with the mother to understand her previous barriers to successful breastfeeding and to collaboratively work on a strategy for better outcomes. It's important to recognize that the first few weeks of breastfeeding may involve challenges, but these are typically resolved as the mother's milk supply adjusts to the baby's demand. Mothers can produce about 1.5 liters of breast milk per day, and this supply can adapt during periods like growth spurts. It's also essential to provide the mother with information on the let-down reflex, where sensory nerve fibers in the areola start a neuroendocrine reflex resulting in milk secretion in response to suckling.