Which statement is NOT correct about breastfeeding?

RRB Staff Nurse Mumbai-2015

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Easy

Appeared in: RRB Staff Nurse Mumbai-2015

Explanation

This statement is incorrect because it advises delaying breastfeeding, which is the opposite of established best practice.
Global health guidelines (WHO, UNICEF) strongly recommend initiating breastfeeding within the first hour of life.
The purpose of early initiation is to ensure the newborn receives colostrum, the first milk, which is crucial for immunity and nutrition.
Colostrum is rich in antibodies (especially IgA), protein, and Vitamin A, and should never be discarded or delayed.
Delaying breastfeeding can increase the risk of neonatal hypoglycemia, jaundice, and infections.

Option A: This is a correct statement. Breast milk, particularly colostrum, is rich in maternal antibodies (like secretory IgA) and other immune factors that provide passive immunity to the infant, protecting them from various infections.
Option B: This statement is also incorrect advice. If an infant is too weak or sick to nurse directly, the recommendation is not to discontinue breastfeeding but to provide expressed breast milk through alternative methods like a cup, spoon, or nasogastric tube.
Option C: This is a correct statement. Breast milk is easily digestible and contains components that promote soft stools, making constipation rare in exclusively breastfed infants.

Visual 1: Infographic - A comparison chart showing the nutritional and immunological components of colostrum versus mature breast milk. This would visually emphasize the high concentration of antibodies and protein in colostrum.
Visual 2: Flowchart - A simple flowchart titled 'First Hour of Life' showing the steps: 1. Skin-to-skin contact -> 2. Initiate first breastfeed -> 3. Baby receives colostrum -> 4. Protection against infection begins.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain This question tests knowledge of the fundamental principles and benefits of breastfeeding, particularly the importance of early initiation and colostrum 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 assist the mother with initiating the first breastfeed within one hour of birth.
Nurses must educate new mothers and families about the irreplaceable benefits of colostrum and correct any misconceptions about discarding it or delaying feeding.
Patient safety is compromised by delaying the first feed, as it can lead to hypoglycemia, increased jaundice, and a higher risk of infection for the newborn.

How to Approach the Question

Identify that the question asks for the statement that is 'NOT correct'. This means you are looking for the false statement among the options.
Read each option carefully and evaluate its accuracy based on your knowledge of breastfeeding guidelines.
Option A describes the immunological benefits of breast milk, which is a well-known fact. This is likely a true statement.
Option C describes the digestive benefits of breast milk, which is also a known fact. This is likely a true statement.
Option B suggests discontinuing breastfeeding for a weak infant. Consider alternatives like expressed milk. This statement seems incorrect.
Option D suggests delaying breastfeeding. This directly contradicts the 'golden hour' principle of initiating breastfeeding as soon as possible. This statement is fundamentally incorrect.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: This question tests knowledge of the fundamental principles and benefits of breastfeeding, particularly the importance of early initiation and colostrum.
Stem keywords: breastfeeding, newborn, infant
Lead-in keywords: NOT correct
Negative lead-in flag: This is a negative-lead question asking for the INCORRECT statement.

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