Lactation Clinical Questions

Name at least 3 ways of knowing that a baby has a good latch.

Instruct the mother to demand-feed the infant and to assess for hunger cues.
These include rooting, suckling on hands and fingers, and rapid eye
movement. Crying is a late sign of hunger.
Encourage your patient to use a position she finds comfortable and easily
achieves latch, that is, a seal between the newborns mouth over the nipple,
areola, and breast that creates enough suction to remove breast milk.
Explain to the mother that when her newborn is latched on correctly, his
nose, cheeks, and chin will all be touching her breast.
Show mothers the proper latch-on position. Have them support the breast in
one hand with the thumb on top and four fingers underneath. With the
newborns mouth in front of the nipple, the newborn can be stimulated to
open his mouth by tickling his lower lip with the tip of the nipple. The mother
pulls the newborn to the nipple with his mouth covering part of the areola as
well as the nipple.
If a baby is latched correctly, should breastfeeding hurt?

NO!!!

What is colostrum?
Colostrum is the first secretion from the mammary glands, after giving birth.
It lasts 0-5 days and is only a few droplets. It is very rich in antibodies so it is
enough production of food for the baby.
It contains the IgA immunoglobin that provides passive immunity to the
newborn.
When does the milk usually come in for a primipara? For a multipara?
Primipara MultiparaA common question asked by breastfeeding moms is how do I know my
baby is getting enough? Name at least 2 ways that a mom can know that
the baby is getting enough.
Baby is gaining weight
Baby is voiding 6 to 8 diapers a day
Baby is content between feedings
Another common question asked by breastfeeding moms is how often
should I be feeding the baby? For an otherwise healthy baby, what are
the benefits of demand feeding over scheduled feedings?
Tell mothers to feed newborns 8 to 12 times in a 24-hour period and will
usually be on demand or every 2 to 3 hr. Encourage mothers to breastfeed at
least 15 to 20 min/breast and 30 to 40 min for the total feeding to ensure
that newborns receive adequate fat and protein in rich hind milk. Eventually,
newborns will empty a breast within 5 to 10 min, but may need to continue to
suck to meet comfort needs.

Babies typically lose weight during the first few days after birth. At what
age should they be back up to their birth weight?
Expect weight loss of 5 to 10% immediately after birth, which should be
regained 10 to 14 days after birth.
Weight gain should be 4-8 oz per week