The lactation nurse visits a first-time mother six hours after her delivery of a healthy 8-pound boy. The patient is giving the baby boy a bottle of sugar water. She tells the lactation nurse that she does not seem to be producing milk

Question

What should the nurse say to the patient?
What will be an ideal response

Answer 1

The nurse should explain that she won't produce true milk until two to three days later. During this delay, colostrum is produced that contains protein, vitamin A, and minerals and is rich in antibodies that are necessary for the baby. The nurse should explain that continual milk production depends on mechanical stimulation of the nipples, normally provided by the sucking infant. Before attempting to nurse, the mother should massage her breasts and "roll" the nipples to start the stimulatory effects herself. Furthermore, until the baby is able to nurse sufficiently, supplementation should be given only after the baby has nursed for 5-10 minutes on a side, not before. Babies prefer the ease of sucking through bottle nipples more than breast nipples if they are allowed.