Puerperium

Question 1

Breastfeeding - Benefits

Answer 1

Easily digested and absorbed
Helps build baby’s own immunity
Helps prevent against gastro, reduce risk of allergies, asthma, DM, obesity, respiratory and UTIs
Helps with physical and mental development
Time and cost effective

Question 2

Colostium

Answer 2

First milk
Present in the breast for about 12-16 weeks
Clear or yellow in colour
Higher in protein, sodium, fat soluble vitamins, antioxidants, antibodies and immunoglobulins

Question 3

Breastfeeding Challenges

Baby

Answer 3

Insufficient suck
Sleepy baby
Jaundice
Small
Mucousy
Unwell
Tongue tied

Question 4

Breastfeeding Challenges

Mother

Answer 4

Flat/inverted nipples
Large/small breasts
Low supply
Nipple trauma
Engorgement, blocked ducts
Mastitis, breast abscess
Nipple thrush
Bacterial infections
Vasospasm (Reynauds)

Question 5

Mastitis

Answer 5

Inflammation of breast tissue (infective vs. non-infective)
Symptoms - pain, redness, swelling, fever, enlargement, changed sensation, discharge, itching, lump
Treatment - investigate cause (commonly treated with fluclox), encourage mother to continue to BF or express and feed baby

Question 6

Breastfeeding History

Answer 6

Previous experience
Type of delivery - C/S, Forceps, drugs used
History of breast surgery and when
Age of baby

Question 7

Breastfeeding Examination

Answer 7

Breast and nipple shape and size
Nipple trauma
Soft/firm breast
Scars
Pink/red areas
Oedema of areola
Baby feeding cues
Positioning and attachment
Effective suck and swallow