27.    A 25-year-old mother just delivered a 3.3 kg baby girl at 38 weeks' gestation. She is anxious to start feeding her baby and is afraid she may be starved. 

a)        She inquired about breastfeeding. What advice will you give her?

           1.    Breastfeeding within 1 hour of delivery.

            2.   Frequent nursing 8 to 12 x/day.

            3.   No supplements unless medically indicated.  

            4.   Follow-up early discharge in 2 - 4 days.

            5.   Start weaning after 4 - 6 months.  

b)         What are the benefits of breastfeeding for the infant?

            1.    Growth and development: improves cognitive function.

             2.    Reduces diarrhoea, otitis media and pneumonia.

             3.    Reduces atopy and allergies.

c)         What are the maternal benefits of breastfeeding?

            1.    Reduces breast and ovarian cancer.

            2.    Reduces perimenopausal osteoporosis and fractures.

            3.    Child-spacing.

 d)         What are the problems associated with breastfeeding?

              1.     Low vitamin K and iron.

              2.     Breastmilk jaundice. 

e)           After breastfeeding her infant for 2 weeks, she realized that she is still jaundiced and seek your advice. What would you tell her?

              Reassure her that the jaundice is caused by the breastfeeding and will subside in a few weeks' time.