Final answer:
It is generally true that a mother with an open abscess on her breast should not breastfeed to avoid infection and complications. Consulting a healthcare professional is essential. Antibodies are passed to the infant via active immunity in breast milk, and uterine contractions during childbirth and lactation are beneficial.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'If the mother has an open abscess on her breast, must not breast-feed' is generally considered true. However, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for specific guidance because each case can be different. Breastfeeding with an open abscess could pose a risk of infecting the baby and could also be painful for the mother, leading to potential complications. In such cases, expressing and discarding the breast milk from the affected breast while feeding from the other side, or using formula until the abscess has healed, might be advised.
Antibodies produced in the mother's body are indeed passed to the infant via active immunity through breast milk, providing essential protection to the baby. Furthermore, uterine contractions during childbirth and lactation are important as they help in reducing postpartum bleeding and returning the uterus to its pre-pregnancy size.