Newborn Norms
Why do newborns lose up to 10% of their body weight after birth?
-normal loss of extracellular water
-consumption of fewer calories
-small stomach capacity
Name three infant benefits of breastfeeding.
-reduce allergies
-prevent infections S/A respiratory, GI, and UTI
-decreases risk of DM, asthma, obesity, SIDS, and some cancers
-specific to infants nutritional needs
-less likely to result in overfeeding and constipation
-unlikely to be contaminated by water supply
Name two benefits of formula feeding.
Flexibility, shared responsibility, consistent nutrient levels
What vitamin supplement is essential for vegan mothers?
Vitamin B12
How long can freshly pumped breastmilk be stored at room temperature?
One hour
How much Vitamin D should be supplemented daily for breastfed infants?
400 IU
Name three maternal benefits of breastfeeding.
-oxytocin enhances involution
-blood loss is less d/t delayed return of menses
-delays resumption of ovulation
-may reduce risk of some cancers
-mother can get rest while feeding
-mother will have more balances diet
-enhances bonding
-convinience
-eliminates cost
-less likely to miss work since infant is less sick
-traveling is easier
Why should air be avoided in the bottle nipple?
a. Prevents overfeeding
b. Prevents gas and discomfort
c. Helps faster digestion
d. Prevents nutrient loss
B. prevents gas and discomfort
Why is iron in breastmilk better absorbed than in formula?
Bioavailability, easy absorption, can be maintained from 4-6 months
How long can breastmilk be stored in the refrigerator?
48 hours
Why is cow’s milk not recommended for infants under 12 months? (Give at least 2 reasons.)
a. Can cause GI bleeding and anemia
b. Too high in protein and sodium
c. Contains botulinum spores
d. Lacks iron, fatty acids, and vitamin E
e. Increases dental growth
a. Can cause GI bleeding and anemia
b. Too high in protein and sodium
d.Lacks iron, fatty acids, and vitamin E
What is the recommended frequency and duration of breastfeeding sessions?
-frequency: 1.5 to 3 hours with 8 to 12 feedings within 24 hours
-duration: 10 to 15 minutes on each side
How should a baby and bottle be positioned during a feeding?
Baby: Semi-upright (45°), head higher than stomach
Bottle: Tilted to keep nipple full of milk
List four functions of iron in the body.
Improved growth and development
Oxygen transportation
Encourages and increased enzymatic function
Improves learning and behavior
How long can frozen breastmilk be stored?
Refrigerator Freezer (1 month)
Deep Freezer (6 months)
What is the term for the concept that more frequent breastfeeding increases milk production?
Supply and demand
What is the difference between engorgement and mastitis?
✅ Engorgement: Bilateral, firm, no fever
✅ Mastitis: Unilateral, red, painful/firm wedge, fever (102.2 + nipple drainage)
When should burping occur during the first few days of life?
Every 0.5 ounces for the first few days then ongoing feeding burp halfway through
What advice should a nurse give to a mother concerned her baby isn’t getting enough milk?
Wet diapers
Weight gain
How long is prepared formula good for in the refrigerator?
24 hours
What are signs of a good latch during breastfeeding? (select all that apply)
a. Baby’s lips are flanged out
b. Only the nipple is in baby’s mouth
c. Baby’s mouth is wide open
d. Audible swallowing
e. Mother feels a sharp, pinching pain
a. Baby’s lips are flanged out
c. Baby’s mouth is wide open
d. Audible swallowing
What are the four common breastfeeding positions?
a. Cradle
b. Football
c. Cross-cradle
d. Upside-down
e. Side-lying
a. cradle
b. football
c. cross-cradle
e. side-lying
Why is it dangerous to prop a bottle in an infant’s mouth?
Risk of choking, aspiration, and ear infections
When should a mother ideally begin breastfeeding after birth, and why?
Within the first hour, because it promotes bonding and stimulates milk production.
What is the safe window to use formula once a baby has started feeding?
One hour