Author Question: A mother conveys concern over the fact that she is not sure if her newborn child is getting enough ... (Read 44 times)

olgavictoria · **on:** Jun 28, 2018

A mother conveys concern over the fact that she is not sure if her newborn child is getting enough nutrients from breastfeeding.

This is the baby's first clinic visit after birth. What information can you provide that will help alleviate her fears about nutrient status for her newborn?

a. Monitor the infant's output; as long as at least six or more diapers are changed in a 24-hour period, that should be sufficient.
b. Tell the mother that if a baby is satisfied with feeding, she or he will be content and not fussy.
c. Tell the mother that breast milk contains everything required for the infant and not to worry about nutrition.
d. Provide nutrition information in the form of pamphlets for the mother to take home with her so that she uses them as a point of reference.

Question 2

A breastfeeding mother asks the postpartum nurse if any supplementation is necessary once her breast milk comes in. What is the nurse's best response?

a. Are you concerned about your ability to adequately nurse your baby?
b. Do you eat a well-balanced diet, high in protein and carbohydrates?
c. Breast milk is low in vitamin D and supplementation with 400 IU is recommended.
d. Your breast milk has all the vitamins and will adequately meet your baby's needs.

dellikani2015 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 28, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
The presence of wet diapers confirms that the infant is receiving enough milk. Recording weight and seeing an increase in weight is also an objective finding that can be used to note nutritional status. Newborns may be fussy and still be receiving adequate nutrition. Although breast milk is potentially the perfect food for the newborn, not everyone's breast milk has nutrient quality, so recording of weight gain and output measurements (wet diapers and stool production) confirm nutritional status. Providing the mother with educational pamphlets may be advisable but does not address the immediate problem.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Generally, nutrients provided in breast milk are present in amounts and proportions needed by the infant. However, recent studies have shown that the vitamin D content of breast milk is low, and daily supplementation with 400 IU of vitamin D is recommended within the first few days of life. Breastfeeding infants who are not exposed to the sun and those with dark skin are particularly at risk for insufficient vitamin D. Formula-fed infants who drink less than 1 quart of vitamin Dfortified milk per day should also be supplemented. Although the fatty acid content of breast milk is influenced by the mother's diet, malnourished mothers' milk has about the same proportions of total fat, protein, carbohydrates, and most minerals as milk from those who are well nourished. Levels of water-soluble vitamins in breast milk are affected by the mother's intake and stores. It is important for breastfeeding women to eat a well-balanced diet to maintain their own health and energy levels.