Pre-Clinical Teaching Plan

Breastfeeding
Created by Amber Suzuki

Importance of Breastfeeding
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that mothers solely breastfeed their infant for the first 6 months and
continue for the first year. Breastfeeding in the first year of life has lasting effects on the infant. Breast milk supplies the
infant with the specific nutrients he or she needs for growth and development. It provides the infant with protection
against infection from a variety of organisms.
Benefits of Breastfeeding
Benefits for the Infant:
Decreased incidence & severity of infectious diseases
Decreased incidence of Type 1 & 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Reduced risk of obesity & high cholesterol
Decreased incidence & severity of asthma & other allergies
Reduced risk of gastrointestinal illness
Benefits for the Mother:
Decreased bleeding after delivery & faster uterus returns to pre-pregnant state
Reduced risk of breast, uterine, & ovarian cancer
Earlier return to pre-pregnancy weight
Unique bonding experience
Benefits to Families:
Convenient; ready to feed
No bottles or other equipment necessary
Less expensive than infant formula
Uniqueness of Human Milk
For the first few days after delivery, a clear yellowish fluid called colostrum is secreted from the breast. Colostrum will
turn into mature milk. Colostrum is higher in protein and minerals and lower in fat. It has a laxative effect and helps the
infant excrete meconium faster. Mature milk changes at each feeding. The amount of fat steadily increases to help with
the infants growth and development.
Care Management
Positioning & Latch
The football and cross-cradle hold are recommended when first beginning to
breastfeed. The football hold is usually preferred by those who had a cesarean
birth and the side-lying position is usually preferred by those who have pain
and swelling in the perineal area. The infants mouth should cover the nipple
and part of the areola and breast, creating a tight seal.
Frequency & Duration of Feedings
Infants should be breastfed about 8 to 12 times a day, every 2 to 3 hours. The
infant can feed on demand when he or she is feeding well and gaining weight.
On average, the infant feeds about 15 to 20 minutes on each breast.
Signs of Hunger
Sucking on the fist
Moving mouth towards stimulus after cheek is stroked
Signs of Effective Breastfeeding
Firm tugging sensation on nipple as infant sucks
Feeling relaxed & drowsy while feeding

Breasts soften while feeding

Hear infant swallowing
Infant appears content after feeding
Infant has 6 to 8 wet diapers a day

Expressing & Storing Breast Milk

An important aspect of maintaining an adequate milk supply is to empty the breasts as much as possible during feedings.
The more milk the infant removes from the breasts, the more the breasts will produce and secrete milk. A variety of
pumps are available for expressing milk from the breasts. Fresh breast milk may be stored at room temperature for 4 to 6
hours, refrigerated for 5 to 8 days, and frozen up to 6 months.
Care of the Mother
Breast Care
It is not necessary to clean the breasts in a special way. Avoid washing nipples with soap. It is not recommended for
mothers to use breast creams. Lanolin may be used for dry or sore nipples.
Rest
The mother is encouraged to rest as much as possible and whenever the infant sleeps. Fatigue and stress can have a
negative effect on milk production and ejection.
Breastfeeding & Contraception
Ovulation and menstruation are delayed due to breastfeeding. Ovulation may begin before the first menstrual period
occurs. Breastfeeding women may still get pregnant, therefore, breastfeeding is not recommended to use as a method of
contraception.
References:
Brenner, M. G., & Buescher, E. (2011). Breastfeeding: A Clinical Imperative. Journal Of Women's Health (15409996), 20(12), 1767-1773.
doi:10.1089/jwh.2010.2616
Lowdermilk, D. & Perry S. (2013). Maternity & Womens Health Care (8th ed.). St. Louis: Mosby.