Module 1-3 (Postpartum)

Question 1

LATCH Mnemonic

Answer 1

P. 488
L - How well infant LATCHES onto breast
• should be taking in areola and nipple

A - Amount of AUDIBLE swallowing
• mom should be able to hear and see baby swallow breastmilk

T - Nipple TYPE
• flat and inverted nipples exist. all types
• know what type so we know how this can affect baby’s latch

C - Level of COMFORT
• is mom comfortable while she breastfeeds?
• does she know how to hold baby while baby breastfeeds? which positions are her preferred?

H - Amount of HELP mom needs
• first baby? has mom done reading on breastfeeding?
• fill in education gaps on breastfeeding so mom can make educated decisions on breastfeeding

Question 2

How to coach mom if she’s NOT breastfeeding

Answer 2

o wear supportive bra (or sports bra)
o no overstimulation of breast (so breast milk can dry up)
 limit hot showers (stimulates breast milk)
 limit massaging breasts
 don’t touch breasts a lot
 drugs are not used to dry up milk supply in modern times
o use BPA-free bottles, silcone nipples
 keep bottle upright (so baby doesn’t swallow air from the nipple)
 usually formula takes 3 hours to digest
 bottle feed q3-4h
 powder takes more work to prep but it is the cheapest
 ready to feed formula is most expensive but takes the least prep time (??)

Question 3

How to teach mom signs that breastfeeding is going well and baby is latching properly

Answer 3

P. 382

Question 4

Tips for breastfeeding mom

Answer 4

 NORMAL breasts should be soft
• use Lanolin for dry, cracked nipples
• cracked nipples can be grounds for infection since they involve open skin  could lead to mastitis if nipples are infected??
 ABNORMAL hard spots around areola or around the nipple
• indicative of early mastitis or clogged milk ducts…esp if area is red hot

Question 5

Prevention of constipation

Answer 5

• early ambultation
• fluids
• fiber
• stool softener prn (or as prescribed)

Question 6

BUBBLEEE

Answer 6

B – Breast
U – Uterus
B – Bladder
B – Bowel
L – Lochia
E – Episiotomy
E – Extremties (check lower extremities for swelling)
E – Emotions (psychosocial assessment)

Question 7

Bonding vs Attachment

Answer 7

Bonding (between parent and infant) VERSUS Attachment (emotional connection infant between parent)

Question 8

Assessing uterus

Answer 8

• Assess uterine tone (contracted or boggy? Note: deviation to side INSTEAD OF midline indicates FULL bladder that could prohibit involution.)
• encourage mom to use restroom before assessment (she should empty bladder on regular basis)
• uterus should feel firm like a grapefruit

Question 9

Involution

Answer 9

 what can nurse do to promote involution?
 how long does ths process take?
 what kind of progress should be seen on daily basis with involution?
• (goes down finger-breadth per day?)
o do things that promote contraction of uterus
 ex. massaging it so it is firm