Maternal & Infant Health Considerations Flashcards

Which of the following best describes the composition of colostrum compared to mature breast milk?

Answer: Higher in immunoglobulins and protein, lower in fat and lactose

Colostrum is rich in secretory IgA, lactoferrin, leukocytes, and protein while containing lower levels of fat and lactose than mature milk.

A mother who had a cesarean birth under general anesthesia is concerned about breastfeeding initiation. She should be advised that:

Answer: She can breastfeed as soon as she is alert and able to position the infant safely

Anesthetic agents used in general anesthesia transfer minimally to breast milk; the mother can breastfeed once she is sufficiently alert to hold the baby safely.

Breast milk jaundice (as distinct from breastfeeding jaundice) typically occurs:

Answer: After the first week, peaks at 2 weeks, and may persist for several weeks

Breast milk jaundice is caused by substances in mature milk that inhibit bilirubin conjugation; it appears after day 4-7, peaks around 2 weeks, and can last 3-12 weeks.

Which maternal condition is an absolute contraindication to breastfeeding in the United States?

Answer: HIV infection

In the U.S., HIV-positive mothers are advised not to breastfeed because breast milk can transmit HIV to the infant, unlike in resource-limited settings where benefits may outweigh risks.

What is the primary purpose of the 'Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding' as outlined by WHO/UNICEF in the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative?

Answer: To establish evidence-based hospital practices that protect, promote, and support breastfeeding

The Ten Steps provide hospitals with a framework of evidence-based practices shown to significantly increase breastfeeding initiation and duration rates.

A late preterm infant (35 weeks) who appears to be nursing frequently but is losing more than 10% of birth weight should be evaluated for:

Answer: Ineffective milk transfer due to neurodevelopmental immaturity

Late preterm infants have immature oral motor skills, reduced stamina, and sleepier behavior that can result in ineffective sucking and inadequate milk transfer despite frequent nursing attempts.

Which supplemental feeding method is generally preferred over bottle feeding when a breastfed newborn requires supplementation in the early postpartum period?

Answer: Cup feeding or spoon feeding

Cup or spoon feeding avoids nipple confusion by not requiring the infant to use a rubber nipple, helping preserve the infant's ability to latch at the breast.