True about breast feeding?

NORCET 5 Prelims - Sept 2023 (Shift-2)

Obstetrics and Midwifery Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: NORCET 5 Prelims - Sept 2023 (Shift-2)

Explanation

Global health authorities, including the WHO and AAP, recommend initiating breastfeeding within the first hour of birth.
This early start allows the newborn to receive colostrum, the first milk, which is highly concentrated with antibodies and essential nutrients, acting as the baby's first immunization.
Early suckling stimulates the mother's production of oxytocin, which aids in uterine contraction and reduces the risk of postpartum bleeding.
This practice, often called the 'Golden Hour,' promotes mother-infant bonding and helps establish a successful breastfeeding relationship.

Option B: Giving 'janmghunti' or any other prelacteal feed is a harmful practice. It can introduce infections, cause allergies, and interfere with the infant's desire to consume colostrum, the perfect first food.
Option C: Breastfeeding should be 'on-demand,' guided by the baby's hunger cues, not on a fixed schedule. A fixed schedule can lead to inadequate milk intake for the baby and can negatively impact the mother's milk supply.
Option D: Delaying breastfeeding for 24 hours is detrimental. It deprives the newborn of the critical immunological and nutritional benefits of colostrum and increases the risk of complications like hypoglycemia and excessive weight loss.

Visual 1: Infographic - The Golden Hour. An infographic illustrating the benefits of initiating breastfeeding within the first hour for both mother (reduced bleeding, bonding) and baby (colostrum benefits, stable vitals).
Visual 2: Diagram - Correct vs. Incorrect Latch. A side-by-side comparison showing a deep latch (mouth wide, covering areola) versus a shallow latch (only on the nipple) to help explain proper technique.
Visual 3: Chart - Composition of Colostrum vs. Mature Milk. A simple chart showing the higher concentration of antibodies, protein, and minerals in colostrum compared to mature milk.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Best practices for initiating breastfeeding after birth as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A nurse's primary role in the immediate postpartum period is to facilitate skin-to-skin contact and help the mother initiate the first breastfeed within one hour.
Nurses must actively educate mothers and families, dispelling cultural myths about prelacteal feeds (like janmghunti, honey, or water) and reinforcing the 'breast is best' message.
Patient safety is enhanced by early breastfeeding as it reduces the risk of postpartum hemorrhage in the mother and hypoglycemia and infection in the newborn.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the core subject of the question: It asks for a 'true' statement about breastfeeding.
This is a factual recall question based on established health guidelines.
Evaluate each option against standard pediatric and obstetric recommendations.
Option A aligns with the WHO/UNICEF 'Golden Hour' recommendation.
Options B, C, and D represent common myths or incorrect practices. 'Janmghunti' is a prelacteal feed, fixed times contradict on-demand feeding, and delaying for 24 hours is harmful.
Select the option that reflects the current, evidence-based best practice for infant feeding.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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