Final answer:
The client demonstrates an understanding of mastitis care by choosing to continue breastfeeding and using warm and cold compresses to manage symptoms. Stopping breastfeeding or avoiding breast stimulation can exacerbate mastitis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct statement made by a client diagnosed with mastitis that indicates an understanding of the instructions provided by a nurse is: "I will continue breastfeeding and alternate warm and cold compresses." This approach can help relieve discomfort, encourage milk flow, and reduce inflammation in the affected breast. Continuing to breastfeed is important as it helps to clear the blockage and prevent milk stasis, which can exacerbate the infection. Applying both warm and cold compresses can provide pain relief and help with inflammation. On the other hand, stopping breastfeeding or avoiding all breast stimulation can potentially worsen mastitis and is generally not recommended.
Breastfeeding stimulates lactation, which is the process of milk synthesis and secretion from the mammary glands in response to an infant sucking at the nipple. This process involves numerous hormonal and mechanical factors. The first few weeks of breastfeeding may involve challenges such as leakage, soreness, and milk engorgement as the relationship between supply and demand becomes established. If breastfeeding is suddenly stopped, the mother may experience engorgement and leakage similar to the early postpartum period due to the sudden change in demand. It's important to manage this process carefully to avoid discomfort and complications such as mastitis.