Breast Feeding

How long can breast milk remain in the fridge?

5-7 days

How long can breast milk be kept at room temperature?

6 hours.

How do you treat engorgement?

Consistent feeding, warm compresses that start the milk flow, hand pumps, or massage.

Advantages of Breastfeeding?

Decreased risk for: infant diarrhea, respiratory infections, otitis media, necrotizing enterocolitis, childhood obesity, and decreased cost.

What two hormones (in high levels) suppress lactation?

Estrogen and progesterone

Let-down reflex

Milk ejection into and through the lactiferous duct system.

What side effect should a new mother who is about to breastfeed for the first time be informed about?

Uterine cramps, normal during breastfeeding, resulting from oxytocin that causes the let-down reflex, also promote uterine involution.

How long can breast milk last in the freezer?

3 months-6 months Deep Freezer: 6-12 months

How often should a formula fed baby be fed?

3-4 hours

How many times should a baby breastfeed in 24 hours?

8-12 times

What supplement should vegetarian mothers give to their newborns?

B12

What mineral content is low in both formula and breastmilk?

Fluoride and Iron, Iron fortified cereal are given at 6 months for breastfed babies. Fluoride supplements must be given to all babies that are not receiving fluoride in their water.

Causes for Engorgement

Full, or blocked duct.

Why is skin to skin so important for mother and baby?

Helps stabilize the baby and prevent them from experiencing cold stress (and decreased blood sugar) and facilitate bonding

Why are pacifiers discouraged before a regular breast feeding schedule is established?

Hides hunger cues, and it is a different kind of sucking motion which can prevent an efficient latch.

Can you refreeze milk after is has been thawed once?

No.

What is the primary hormone responsible for lactation?

Prolactin

What are some feeding cues that a baby will show?

Putting their hands in their mouths, making mouth and tongue movements, rooting. A late sign would be crying

Benefits of Breastfeeding (ATI)

Reduces the risk of infection by providing IgA antibodies, lysozymes, leukocytes, macrophages, and lactoferrin that prevents infections. ■Promotes rapid brain growth due to large amounts of lactose. ■Provides protein and nitrogen for neurological cell building and improves the newborn's ability to regulate calcium and phosphorus levels. ■Contains electrolytes and minerals. ■Breast milk is easy for the newborn to digest. ■Breastfeeding is convenient and inexpensive. ■Reduces incidence of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), allergies, and childhood obesity. ■Promotes maternal-infant bonding.

What are the 3 stages of breastmilk?

Stage 1- Colostrum: yellowish breast fluid present for 2-3 days. Acts as a laxative to assist in the passing of the meconium. Contains IgA immunoglobulin that provides passive immunity to the newborn Stage 2- Transitional Milk: Lasts from 3-10 days. Decreasing levels of protein and increasing levels of fats, carbs, and calories. Stage 3- Mature Milk: Composed of 20% solids and 80% liquids. Foremilk- released in the beginning of feedings high water content. Hind milk- Released at the end of the feeding, higher fat content.

What is the best way to thaw breastmilk that has been frozen?

Thawing the milk in the refrigerator for 24 hr is the best way to preserve the immunoglobulins present in it. It also can be thawed by holding the container under running lukewarm water or placing it in a container of lukewarm water. The bottle should be rotated often, but not shaken when thawing in this manner.

How fast should a mother initiate breast feeding?

Within an hour. (ATI says within 30 minutes)

Contraindication for Breastfeeding?

Women with: illicit drug use, active TB, chemotherapy treatments, HIV, herpes on the breast, or infants with PKU

How do you know if the baby is getting enough to eat?

• Day 1: if the baby has at least 1 good feed, and 1 wet diaper and 1 stool in the first day of life, they are probably getting enough food • Day 2: at leas 2 feedings, every 8 hours; two wet diapers, and 2 stools • Day 3: at least 3 feedings, 6 wet diapers and 3 stools

Why is formula avoided for strictly breast fed babies?

• Formula can poke holes into the babies gut and break down the coating of the gut provided by the colostrum • More difficult to digest • Decreases the babies interest in breast milk because they are too full from formula