Module 8 - Newborn Feeding

Question 1

5 benefits of breastfeeding

Answer 1

• Breast milk contains the full range of nutrients that the newborn needs and in the right proportions.
• Doesn’t not cause newborn allergies
• May play a significant role in improving brain development
• Enhances a close mother-child relationship
• Suckling at the breast promotes mouth development
• Provides natural immunity, because the mother transfers antibodies through the milk

Question 2

describe the 2 hormones that have a major role in the production and expulsion of breast milk

Answer 2

o Prolactin: causes production of breast milk
o Oxytocin: causes the milk to be delivered from the alveoli (milk-producing sacs) through the duct system to the nipple (milk ejection or let-down reflex).
(The mother usually feels a tingling in her breasts and sometimes abdominal cramping as her uterus contracts)

Question 3

how is further milk production caused?

Answer 3

Newborn suckling at breast stimulates the release of oxytocin so that milk is delivered to the nipple.
- Prolactin secretion increases as milk is removed from the breasts, thus stimulating further milk production.

Question 4

Describe foremilk and hindmilk

Answer 4

• Foremilk: first milk newborn obtains. Watery and quenches newborns thirst
• Hindmilk: later milk, has higher fat content. Helps satisfy the newborn’s hunger, feedings that are too short do not allow the newborn to obtain the hunger-satisfying hindmilk.

Question 5

Infants are more likely to be breastfed and for longer if they have…

Answer 5

skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding initiated in the delivery room (within first hours - should not be delayed beyond 6 hours)

Question 6

What are 3 advantages of the first nursing session?

Answer 6

o Promotes bonding
o Maintains newborn temperature
o Stimulation of oxytocin

Question 7

When breastfeeding, the mother should be in what position? What are the 2 main types of holds for breastfeeding?

Answer 7

sitting or side-lying (or standing)

- cradle or football hold

Question 8

why do some mothers formula-feed

Answer 8

◦ Personal preference
◦ Influence of other significant family members
◦ Lack of familiarity with breastfeeding
◦ Breast surgery
◦ Infant formula may supplement breastfeeding if mother’s milk supply is inadequate.

Question 9

How often should the formula fed infant be fed?

Answer 9

Feed every 3 to 4 hours because formula is digested more slowly than breast milk.
• Do not microwave formula.
• Do not prop bottle.
•Involve partner and family in bottle feeding of infant.

Question 10

how can you evaluate intake of infant?

Answer 10

• Letdown reflex occurs. (A tingling sensation with milk dripping from nipple)
• Infant nurses for 15 minutes per breast 8 to 10 times per day.
• An audible swallow is heard.
• Infant appears relaxed after feeding.
• Infant has six to eight wet diapers per day.
• Infant passes several stools per day.
• Breast feels soft after feeding.

Question 11

Teaching for Burping and Positioning After Feeding

Answer 11

• To break the suction and remove the infant from the breast, gently insert one of your fingers into the corner of your infant’s mouth or use your fingers to “indent” your breast near the infant’s mouth.
• Don’t pull the baby off your nipple because this can cause sore nipples.
• Place the infant with his or her head on your shoulder and gently pat the back until your infant burps.