According to WHO, when should the mother start breast feeding the infant after a normal delivery?

WCL Staff Nurse - 2019

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Easy

Appeared in: WCL Staff Nurse - 2019

Explanation

The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF recommend initiating breastfeeding within the first hour of life, often called the 'golden hour.'.
Starting within 30 minutes ensures the infant receives colostrum, the first milk, which is rich in antibodies (IgA), vitamins, and other protective factors.
Early skin-to-skin contact and suckling stimulate the mother's body to release oxytocin, a hormone that helps the uterus contract, reducing the risk of postpartum hemorrhage.
This practice helps stabilize the newborn's body temperature, heart rate, breathing, and blood sugar levels, promoting a smoother transition to life outside the womb.

Option B: Delaying breastfeeding for 12 hours deprives the newborn of the immediate immunological and nutritional benefits of colostrum and the stabilizing effects of skin-to-skin contact.
Option C: Waiting a full day is a significant delay that increases the risk of neonatal hypoglycemia, infection, and difficulties in establishing successful breastfeeding.
Option D: The question specifies a 'normal delivery,' which implies the infant is stable at birth and ready for immediate skin-to-skin contact and feeding.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Early initiation of breastfeeding after normal delivery as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
The nurse's primary role is to facilitate immediate and uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact between the mother and baby right after a normal birth.
Nurses are responsible for assisting the mother with the first latch, providing support and guidance on proper positioning to ensure effective milk transfer and prevent nipple soreness.
Patient education is key; the nurse must inform the mother about the importance of this 'golden hour' for both her health and her baby's, encouraging on-demand feeding.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question based on established global health guidelines.
Identify the key authority in the question: 'According to WHO'. This indicates the answer is a specific, evidence-based recommendation.
Note the context: 'normal delivery'. This implies a healthy mother and a healthy, full-term infant, for whom immediate care practices are prioritized.
Evaluate the options based on the principle of 'the sooner, the better' for essential newborn care.
Recall that the 'golden hour' is the critical period immediately after birth. 'Within 30 minutes' is the most immediate and proactive option that fits within this one-hour guideline, making it the best choice.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Early initiation of breastfeeding after normal delivery
Stem keywords: WHO, breast feeding, infant, normal delivery
Lead-in keywords: when should
Clinical cues: Age/sex group narrows the expected diagnosis, intervention, or normal reference range.

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