QUESTION: "A 24-year-old primipara decides to breast-feed her baby but says, "I'm worried that I won't be able to breast-feed my baby because my breasts are so small." Which of the following would the nurse include in the explanation to the client?"
CHOICES
( X ) a.) Breast milk can be enhanced by occasional formula feeding.
( X ) b.) The woman's motivation to breast-feed is less important than breast size.
( X ) c.) Because her breasts are small, she will have to feed the baby more often.
( O ) d.) Breast size poses no influence on a woman's ability to breast-feed a baby.
RATIONALE: Breast size is not important as long as there is glandular tissue to secrete the milk, although various factors can influence milk supply, such as suckling, emptying of the breasts, diet, exercise, rest, level of contentment, and stress. The fat in breast tissue plays no role in milk production. Breastfeeding and formula feeding at the same time can result in nipple confusion. The client's belief in her ability to breast-feed is important because women who lack motivation are more likely to discontinue breast-feeding. Women with small breasts do not produce less milk. Also, the size of the breast does not influence the neonate's ability to grasp the nipple. The frequency of feeding is determined by the baby's needs, not the size of the mother's breasts. NURSING PROCESS STEP: Implementation CLIENT NEEDS CATEGORY: Health promotion and maintenance CLIENT NEEDS SUBCATEGORY: None
