Breastfeeding and Jaundice in Infants

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Questions and Answers

What is the likely cause of nipple pain in a breastfeeding person?

Effective latch

Poor latch (correct)

Proper breast assessment

Increased milk supply

How can a breastfeeding person manage milk stasis and prevent blocked ducts?

By skipping feeds

By ignoring the issue

By regularly expressing milk (correct)

By using warm compresses

What is the recommended treatment for severe jaundice and hyperbilirubinemia?

Increased milk feeds only

停止 breast feeding

Increased milk feeds in conjunction with phototherapy (correct)

Phototherapy only

What can be used to soften the areola tissue and facilitate a good latch?

Reverse pressure softening Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential complication of untreated blocked ducts?

Mastitis Signup and view all the answers

How can a breastfeeding person manage breast fullness and facilitate a good latch?

By hand expressing some milk just before feeding Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct positioning of the baby's chin during a latch setup?

Below the nipple on the breast Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a sign of good milk transfer?

Wide and deep jaw movements Signup and view all the answers

What is the first recommended supplement when a parent's own milk is not available?

Pasteurized donor milk Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct response to a parent's concern about perceived low milk supply?

Listen, investigate, educate, and follow-up Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of nutritive sucking?

Slow, rhythmic sucks with audible suck-swallow-breathe pattern Signup and view all the answers

What is a sign of poor milk transfer?

Hollow cheeks Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of pasteurization in donor milk?

To eliminate bacteria and viruses Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct assessment of the breast after a feed?

The breast feels softer Signup and view all the answers

A mother reports that her newborn is experiencing jaundice. She breastfeeds frequently, and the baby seems to be latching well. What is the most appropriate next step?

Encourage the mother to increase feeding frequency to help eliminate bilirubin through stool. Signup and view all the answers

A new mother is struggling with her infant's latch and is experiencing significant nipple pain. What technique could be used to address both issues?

Suggest the mother express breast milk and feed the baby from a cup. Signup and view all the answers

A mother expresses concern about her milk supply being insufficient. She states her baby seems unsatisfied after each feeding and cries frequently. What is the most appropriate way to assess milk supply?

Monitor the baby's weight gain and frequency of wet diapers. Signup and view all the answers

A new mother is breastfeeding her baby and expresses concern about the baby's latch. The baby seems to be latching on and off frequently, and the mother feels a sharp pain during feedings. What is the most likely reason for this behavior?

The baby is not latched deeply enough, resulting in a shallow latch and nipple pain. Signup and view all the answers

A new mother is experiencing breast engorgement and pain. What is the most appropriate way to manage this discomfort?

Manually express breast milk to relieve pressure and reduce engorgement. Signup and view all the answers

A mother is concerned about her baby's weight gain and suspects a potential milk supply issue. What is the most reliable indicator of adequate milk transfer?

The baby's weight gain and frequency of wet diapers. Signup and view all the answers

A new mother is concerned about her baby developing a preference for the bottle nipple. What technique can be used to avoid this?

Suggest the mother express breast milk and feed the baby from a cup. Signup and view all the answers

A new mother is experiencing nipple pain and discomfort during breastfeeding. What is the most appropriate first step to address this issue?

Refer the mother to a lactation consultant for a thorough latch assessment. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Jaundice Management in Newborns

Mild jaundice typically resolves within two weeks with effective breastfeeding, as ingested milk aids in bilirubin elimination.
Severe jaundice and hyperbilirubinemia are treated with increased milk feeds alongside phototherapy (UV light exposure).

Breastfeeding Assessment

Effective breastfeeding is painless; nipple pain usually indicates a poor latch.
Unaddressed nipple pain can lead to damage.
If breasts are too full for the baby to latch properly, hand expression before feeding can help soften breast tissue.
Reverse pressure softening can reduce areola tissue hardness; cool compresses may alleviate swelling to improve milk drainage.
Failure to remove milk can cause milk stasis and blocked ducts, potentially leading to mastitis, which is often unilateral.

Proper Latch Technique

Position the baby's nose in front of the nipple with chin below it; the baby should open wide to take in a large mouthful of breast tissue.
The tongue should be lowered, covering the lower gumline.

Indicators of Good Milk Transfer

Nutritive sucking is characterized by slow, rhythmic sucks with a suck-swallow-breathe pattern.
Wide and deep jaw movements indicate effective feeding.
Full cheeks during feeding show the baby is actively sucking.
After feeding, nipples may be slightly elongated but not damaged, and the breast feels softer.
A satisfied baby shows feeding is baby-led and allows for natural pacing and duration.

Indicators of Poor Milk Transfer

Non-nutritive sucking includes rapid sucking with minimal swallowing.
Sounds such as clicking, smacking, gulping, slurping, or coughing indicate feeding issues.
Hollow cheeks suggest ineffective suction.
A painful latch or damaged nipples signal poor feeding mechanics.

Supporting Parents with Perceived Low Milk Supply

Listen to parents' concerns.
Investigate underlying issues.
Educate about feeding and milk supply.
Follow-up for ongoing support.

Supplementation Options

Donor Milk: Pasteurized human milk managed by licensed milk banks, available via prescription. Often reserved for high-risk babies when maternal milk is insufficient.
Human Milk Substitute: Commercial formula designed to meet infants’ nutritional needs.

Cup Feeding Technique

Used when the baby cannot latch or breastfeeding is not possible.
Helps avoid preference for bottle nipples and provides medically necessary supplementation.
Hold the baby at a 45-degree angle, securing their arms to prevent movement.
Position the cup at the lower lip, tip slightly for the baby to lick the milk, allowing them to control the pace of feeding.

The Golden Hour

Breast/chest feeding during the first hour post-birth significantly reduces morbidity and mortality risks.
Skin-to-skin contact helps regulate infant blood glucose and mitigates stress.
Early colostrum feeding decreases the risk of hypoglycemia, jaundice, and need for supplementation, facilitated by breastfeeding, hand expression, or cup/spoon feeding.

Effective Breastfeeding Health Assessment

Feeding Frequency: Monitor regularity of feeds.
Output: Assess diaper output for adequate hydration.
Hydration: Ensure proper fluid intake.
Weight Monitoring: By day 14, the infant's weight should return to birth weight.
Jaundice Monitoring: Hyperbilirubinemia leads to jaundice, presenting as yellowing of the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes due to elevated bilirubin levels.

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Description

Learn about the relationship between breastfeeding and jaundice in infants, including how breastfeeding helps resolve mild jaundice and how phototherapy is used to treat severe cases. Also, assess breastfeeding techniques and identify potential issues.