A nurse is caring for a client at a provider's office.

Exhibits

Select 4 statements the nurse should plan to include when providing teaching to the client.

A. Avoid feeding the infant more than once every 3 hr: Newborns should be fed on demand, which typically occurs every 1-3 hours, but it can vary. Some babies may want to nurse more frequently, especially in the early days, for comfort or to stimulate milk production. Restricting feedings to a set time interval can hinder the infant's ability to receive enough nourishment.
B. Provide the newborn with 15 mL of sterile water each day: Breast milk or formula provides all the hydration and nutrition the infant needs. Offering water can interfere with the infant's intake of breast milk, which is essential for proper growth and development.
C. Store expressed milk in the refrigerator for up to 7 days: While expressed breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator, the recommended storage time is typically 3-5 days, not 7 days. Storing milk for longer periods may increase the risk of bacterial growth, which could compromise the milk's safety and quality.
D. Feedings should begin within 1 hour after birth: Initiating breastfeeding within the first hour after birth is critical for both mother and baby. Early initiation of breastfeeding helps establish a good milk supply, promotes bonding, and provides the newborn with colostrum, which is rich in antibodies and nutrients essential for the baby’s immune system and overall health.

A. Feedings should begin within 1 hr after birth. Initiating feeding within the first hour of life supports early bonding and helps stabilize the newborn’s blood glucose. This applies to both breastfed and bottle-fed infants and is considered a key component of newborn care.
B. Feedings can be controlled by gravity. Bottle feedings should not rely solely on gravity, as this can increase the risk of overfeeding and aspiration. Instead, caregivers should hold the bottle at an angle and watch for feeding cues, allowing the infant to suck and swallow at their own pace.
C. Feedings should be on demand. While on-demand feeding is typically encouraged with breastfeeding, bottle feeding is generally guided by scheduled intervals (e.g., every 3–4 hours) early on. Over time, bottle-fed infants may show hunger cues, but structured timing helps regulate intake initially.
D. Feedings may occur in clusters. Cluster feeding is common with breastfeeding due to variable milk flow and infant comfort needs. Bottle-fed infants usually have more consistent feeding patterns and are less likely to feed in unpredictable clusters.