A new mother is questioning the nurse about the advantages of breastfeeding her newborn

Question

Which information should the nurse include in the teaching session? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply. 1. Breast milk has immunological advantages, including varying degrees of protection from respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract infections.
2. Breastfeeding has been shown to increase maternal–infant attachment.
3. Breastfeeding can be initially supplemented with bottle feedings so that the father does not feel left out of the infant's care.
4. Breastfeeding often causes nipple tenderness, and may be discouraged until healing occurs.
5. Breastfeeding provides a psychologic advantage to the mother, who derives satisfaction knowing that she is providing her infant with the optimal nutritional start in life.

Answer 1

1,2,5
Rationale 1: The transplacental passage of maternal immunoglobulin gradually diminishes over the first 6 months of life until the infant can begin to produce her own immunoglobulins.
Rationale 2: The psychosocial advantages of breastfeeding are primarily associated with maternal–infant attachment.
Rationale 3: The parents should be informed that it is advisable for the father to wait to bottle-feed the baby with expressed breast milk until after breastfeeding is established.
Rationale 4: Breastfeeding with proper technique should not hurt, and these mothers should be encouraged to seek assistance from a person knowledgeable about lactation. There is no need to stop breastfeeding.
Rationale 5: The mother's sense of accomplishment in being able to satisfy her baby's needs for nourishment and comfort can be a tremendous source of personal satisfaction.