Answers
Pro of breast feeding ✅Provide Antiviral, anti-protozoan, anti-inflammatory antibodies
-colostrum contains macrophages
-No allergic reactions and is easily digested
-IgA present (protective anti-absorptive effect keeps protein molecules from passing
through intestines
-No need to use vitamin supplements
-no vitamins lost during reheating
-optimal food for first 4-6 months/first year
-promotes good jaw and tooth development
-low pH of stools
-inhibits growth of bacteria
-natural laxative for babies
-natural emollient to heal tender nipple tissue
-promotes uterine involution (oxytocin production uterine contraction and letdown reflex)
Cons of breast feeding ✅high maternal demand
-maternal inconveniences (milk leakage, sore nipples, time demand)
-food intolerance and drugs transmitted through breast milk
-father may feel excluded from feeding process
-increase possibility of breast milk jaundice
-easily digested infant may nurse every 2-3 hours or more
-demanding for first time mothers
Engorgements
*know how to treat ✅Engorgement painful firmness as milk comes, hard to touch, skin
is shiny and taut. Usually disappears within 24-48 h wear support bras, empty breasts
fully, frequent feedings.
To treat: keep nursing, use ice bags b/t feedings, hot shower and manual expression to
soften nipples, pumping to soften nipples, increase feedings to 20 minutes. Apply warm
compresses, cabbage leaves on inside of bra (reduces edema). Analgesics shortly
before feeding.
Sore nipples
*know how to treat ✅common causes are poor positioning and improper latch,
To treat: warm compresses, air dry, lanonolin, breast milk on areola a natural emollient,
frequently change positions,
Breastfeeding is contraindicated in ✅-Mothers with known HIV/AIDS status, women
diagnosed with breast cancer so they can begin treatment, chronic carriers of Hep B,
, herpes simplex virus only if active lesions on breast, TB, Cytomegalovirus Infection
(CMV).
-Galactosemia-baby's intolerance of lactose,
-Drugs
-Mastectomy: no breast tissue capable of producing milk
What drugs are contraindicated in breastfeeding ✅Anticonvulsants: carbamazepine
(Tegretol) and phenytoin (Dilantin), or
Antibiotics: metronidazole (Flagyl) which may be toxic to infant: cannot breast feed while
on drug. Pump and discard. Then once done you can feed
Milk stages ✅colostrum
transitional milk
mature milk
Colostrum ✅yellow colored fluid present from end of pregnancy until 2 days after birth,
has increase in protein and
decrease in fats and lactose than mature milk.
Rich in antibodies and has a laxative effect for baby.
Transitional milk ✅Transitional milk is produced from the end of colostrum production
until approx 2 weeks postpartum. This is where engorgement occurs.
consists of fat, lactose, and water soluble vitamins
Mature milk ✅has a
decrease in concentration of immunoglobulins,
decrease in total protein
increase in lactose, fat, and total calories.
10% solids, rest is water for maintaining hydration
interventions for breast-feeding success ✅Provide adequate nutrition
Facilitate maternal-infant nursing
Prevent nipple trauma
Create comfortable space:
Arrange for privacy,
Assist in finding a comfortable position,
Use additional pillows for support, evaluate baby's mouth position,
Provide reassurance. Allow time to learn.
Timing of breastfeeding ✅Initiate breastfeeding within the first hour after birth in the
quiet alert stage—first stage of reactivity.
promotes bonding between mom and baby early
increases oxytocin levels to reduce maternal bleeding and
helps maintain baby's glucose level.