Nurse's Pocket Guide

interrupted BREASTFEEDING
requires weaning of infant. Exposure to radiation therapy
requires interruption of breastfeeding for length of time
radioactivity is known to be present in breast milk and is
therefore dependent on agent used. (However, feedings with
stored breast milk may be an option.)
• Determine support systems available to mother/family.
Infant’s father and maternal grandmother, in addition to
caring healthcare providers, are important factors that contribute
to successful breastfeeding.
NURSING PRIORITY NO. 2.To assist mother to maintain breastfeeding
if desired:
• Provide information as needed regarding need/decision to
interrupt breastfeeding.
• Promote peer counseling for teen mothers. Provides positive
role model that teen can relate to and feel comfortable with
discussing concerns/feelings.
• Educate father/SO about benefits of breastfeeding and how to
manage common lactation challenges. Enlisting support of
father/SO is associated with higher ratio of successful
breastfeeding at six months.
• Discuss/demonstrate breastfeeding aids (e.g., infant sling,
nursing footstool/pillows, manual and/or electric piston-type
breast pumps).
• Suggest abstinence/restriction of tobacco, caffeine, alcohol,
drugs, excess sugar, as appropriate when breastfeeding is
reinitiated because they may affect milk production/letdown
reflex or be passed on to the infant.
• Review techniques for expression and storage of breast milk
to help sustain breastfeeding activity.
• Discuss proper techniques use of expressed breast milk to
provide optimal nutrition and promote continuation of
breastfeeding process.
• Problem solve return-to-work issues or periodic infant care
requiring bottle/supplemental feeding.
• Provide privacy/calm surroundings when mother breastfeeds
in hospital/work setting.
• Determine if a routine visiting schedule or advance warning
can be provided so that infant will be hungry/ready to feed.
• Recommend using expressed breast milk instead of formula
or at least partial breastfeeding for as long as mother and child
are satisfied. Prevents temporary interruption in breastfeeding,
decreasing the risk of premature weaning.
• Encourage mother to obtain adequate rest, maintain fluid
and nutritional intake, and schedule breast pumping every
Information in brackets added by the authors to clarify and enhance
the use of nursing diagnoses.
138 Cultural Collaborative Community/Home Care