Question

The nurse is teaching a new mother how to care for her newborn. The nurse notes that the client is very fearful and reluctant to handle the newborn and notes that this is the client's first child. Which nursing intervention is least appropriate in assisting the promotion of mother-infant interaction and bonding?

1. Accepting the client's feelings
2. Acknowledging the client's apprehension
3. Assisting the client with giving the baths to allow her to become more at ease
4. Leaving the infant with the client so that she will be required to provide the care

Answer 1

The least appropriate intervention is to leave the infant with the mother to force her to provide care, which could increase anxiety rather than promote bonding. Acceptance, acknowledgement, and guided assistance are better strategies for fostering mother-infant bonding.

Step-by-step explanation:

When assisting a new mother in promoting mother-infant interaction and bonding, the least appropriate nursing intervention is leaving the infant with the client so that she will be required to provide the care. Accepting and acknowledging the client’s feelings are both conducive to establishing trust, and helping the client with tasks such as giving baths can help her become more at ease with her new role. However, forcing her to provide care before she is ready can lead to increased anxiety and potential negative impacts on the bonding process. It is crucial to be sensitive and responsive to the new mother's needs, as these attitudes are fundamental to fostering trust and comfort during this new phase of life.