New mothers and breastfeeding
New mothers frequently struggle with the arduous chore of nursing their newborn (Pillitteri & Ovid Technologies, Inc., 2014). It is therefore not unusual that a mother may choose not to breastfeed her child and instead feed him or her formulas. As a registered nurse, you are responsible for educating patients about various health issues, lifestyle choices, and their consequences (Pillitteri & Ovid Technologies, Inc., 2014).
Determining reasons and providing facts
Before I provide solutions to the mother, I would first determine why she is not breastfeeding her child. After getting the appropriate reasons, it would hence be advisable to give facts to the mother on the nutritional value of breastfeeding and how it enhances the bond between the mother and the child (Pillitteri & Ovid Technologies, Inc., 2014).
Offering solutions
Later on, I would offer tangible solutions to the new mother. For instance, some mothers have nipple sores or blocked milk ducts soon after delivery and hence may need stimulation to encourage the flow of milk. It would be advisable therefore to offer the right medication or even advise the mother on how she can use a hot towel to stimulate the milk ducts (Pillitteri & Ovid Technologies, Inc., 2014). If the nursing mother has postpartum depression, then appropriate counseling would be best.
Child's nutrition and alternatives
The child's nutrition should be a priority at this juncture. I would hence advise the mother on how she can increase her breast milk production by taking the right diets and how she can ensure the baby is full. For instance, the mother should check the number of times she changes the baby's napkin because that directly indicates if the baby is getting full or not (Durham, Chapman & Chapman, 2014). If the mother cannot breastfeed for legitimate reasons, then I would advise her on the right way to feed her child on formulae milk. It is, however, important to emphasize maintaining high hygiene standards to minimize the rate of infections in the child (Durham et al., 2014).
References
Durham, R. F., Chapman, L., & Chapman, L. (2014). Maternal-newborn nursing: The critical components of nursing care. Philadelphia : F.A. Davis.
Pillitteri, A., & Ovid Technologies, Inc. (2014). Maternal & child health nursing: Care of the childbearing & childrearing family. Philadelphia : Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
