Combined AIIMS - 2020 (Jodhpur, Bhopal, Patna, Raipur)
Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Easy

The breastfeeding should be initiated within the delivery after

Appeared in: Combined AIIMS - 2020 (Jodhpur, Bhopal, Patna, Raipur)

Explanation

  • The World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend initiating breastfeeding within the first hour of life, a period known as the 'golden hour'.
  • During this time, the newborn is in a quiet, alert state, which is optimal for the first feed and facilitates successful latching.
  • Early suckling provides the baby with colostrum, the first milk, which is highly concentrated with antibodies (like IgA), protein, and minerals, providing crucial passive immunity.
  • The act of suckling stimulates the mother's pituitary gland to release oxytocin, which promotes uterine contractions, thereby reducing postpartum blood loss and aiding uterine involution.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

  • Option B: Delaying breastfeeding until 2 hours after birth misses the critical 'golden hour' when the baby is most alert and the sucking reflex is strongest.
  • Option C: Waiting for 3 hours is a significant delay that can lead to difficulties in establishing breastfeeding, potential hypoglycemia in the newborn, and missed bonding opportunities.
  • Option D: A 4-hour delay is not recommended and can negatively impact the establishment of lactation and the health of the newborn. The baby will likely be in a deep sleep phase, making it very difficult to initiate a successful feed.

Related Visual

Visual explanation — Related Visual
Clinical Relevance
  • Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Optimal timing for the initiation of breastfeeding after childbirth as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
  • Nurses play a pivotal role in placing the newborn skin-to-skin on the mother's chest immediately after birth and providing support and guidance for the first latch.
  • Patient education during the antenatal period is crucial to inform expectant mothers about the importance of the 'golden hour' and to set expectations for the immediate postpartum period.
  • What if the mother has a Cesarean section? Even after a C-section, breastfeeding should be encouraged as soon as the mother is alert and stable. With assistance, skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding can often be initiated within the first hour in the recovery room.
How to Approach the Question
  • Identify the core question: The question asks for the recommended timeframe to start breastfeeding after delivery.
  • Recall key public health guidelines: Access knowledge about recommendations from major health bodies like WHO and national programs (e.g., RMNCH+A in India).
  • Remember the 'Golden Hour': The term 'golden hour' is a strong mnemonic for the first hour after birth, which is the universally recommended time.
  • Evaluate the options: Compare the given timeframes (1, 2, 3, 4 hours) against the 'golden hour' standard.
  • Select the option that aligns with the guideline: Choose '1 hr' as it directly corresponds to the evidence-based recommendation.
Concept Tested & Keywords
  • Concept Tested: Optimal timing for the initiation of breastfeeding after childbirth.
  • Stem keywords: breastfeeding, initiated, delivery
  • Lead-in keywords: within

Question ID

Q6o2WICINBrkLSh-tzVIc5

Reference Book

E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 49-68

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart C (pp 404-604 of 604) p. 153-155

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