Introduction
Introduction ( 5 Questions)
A nurse is planning to feed a newborn who is breastfed.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Feeding the newborn every 4 to 5 hours during the day and night is too infrequent and may lead to insufficient weight gain, dehydration, jaundice, and low milk supply. Breastfed newborns should be fed at least every 2 to 3 hours or 8 to 12 times in 24 hours.
Feeding the newborn on one breast for 10 minutes and then switching to the other breast may not allow the newborn to get enough of the hindmilk, which is richer in fat and calories than the foremilk. The newborn should be allowed to nurse on one breast until it is emptied or until the baby releases it, and then offered the other breast.
This is the best way to ensure that the newborn gets enough breast milk and that the mother’s milk supply is maintained. Breastfeeding on demand also helps prevent engorgement and mastitis.
Feeding the newborn 4 to 5 ounces of breast milk per feeding is too much for a newborn’s stomach capacity and may cause overfeeding, spitting up, or colic.
Feed the newborn when he shows signs of hunger, such as rooting or sucking. This is the best way to ensure that the newborn gets enough breast milk and that the mother’s milk supply is maintained. Breastfeeding on demand also helps prevent engorgement and mastitis.
Choice A is wrong because feeding the newborn every 4 to 5 hours during the day and night is too infrequent and may lead to insufficient weight gain, dehydration, jaundice, and low milk supply. Breastfed newborns should be fed at least every 2 to 3 hours or 8 to 12 times in 24 hours.
Choice B is wrong because feeding the newborn on one breast for 10 minutes and then switching to the other breast may not allow the newborn to get enough of the hindmilk, which is richer in fat and calories than the foremilk. The newborn should be allowed to nurse on one breast until it is emptied or until the baby releases it, and then offered the other breast.
Choice D is wrong because feeding the newborn 4 to 5 ounces of breast milk per feeding is too much for a newborn’s stomach capacity and may cause overfeeding, spitting up, or colic.