Final answer:
Nurses should perform a breastfeeding assessment soon after birth to ensure effective feeding. The composition of breast milk changes from colostrum to mature milk over the initial days, and from foremilk to hindmilk during a single feeding to satisfy the baby's thirst and hunger.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nurses should perform a comprehensive breastfeeding assessment ideally within the first few hours after birth and subsequently throughout the hospital stay to ensure effective feeding and to address any issues that may arise. During this assessment, the nurse will observe and assist with a feeding to check for proper latch, sucking, and swallowing patterns, and will also evaluate the breast for signs of engorgement, nipple trauma, or infection. It's also common to assess the infant for jaundice, which can impact feeding behaviors, and to measure weight gain over the course of the first days to week after birth.
The composition of breast milk changes significantly during the first days of lactation. Initially, the mother produces colostrum, which is rich in proteins and antibodies to support the newborn's immune system. After a few days, the milk transitions to 'mature milk,' which has a higher fat content necessary for the infant's growth. Moreover, during a single feeding, the composition of breast milk can change from the beginning to the end. The milk at the start of a feeding is called 'foremilk,' which is watery and quenches the baby's thirst. As the feeding continues, the fat content in the milk increases, and the 'hindmilk' provided at the end is richer and more calorie-dense to satisfy the infant's hunger and promote growth.