A nurse is reviewing discharge instructions with a postpartum client who plans to breastfeed her newborn exclusively for at least 6 months.

Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

All of these conditions would warrant a referral to specialized care for severe diseases or complications related to nutrition and feeding.

Choice A is wrong because phenylketonuria (PKU) in the infant is a genetic disorder that causes an amino acid called phenylalanine to build up in the body.This can lead to intellectual disability, seizures, and other neurological problems if not treated with a special diet that limits phenylalanine.

Choice B is wrong because gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in the mother is a condition where the mother has high blood sugar levels during pregnancy.This can increase the risk of complications for both the mother and the baby, such as preeclampsia, macrosomia, birth injuries, and neonatal hypoglycemia.

Choice C is wrong because cleft lip or palate in the infant is a birth defect where the upper lip or roof of the mouth does not form properly.This can affect the infant’s ability to feed, speak, and breathe, and may require surgery and other interventions.

Hold the newborn in a semi-upright position during feeding.This prevents the formula from flowing back into the baby’s ears and causing infections.It also helps the baby swallow less air and reduces the risk of choking.

Choice A is wrong because warming the formula in a microwave oven can create hot spots that can burn the baby’s mouth.The formula should be warmed by running it under warm tap water or placing it in a bowl of warm water.

Choice B is wrong because discarding any unused formula after 2 hours at room temperature is too long.Bacteria can grow rapidly in warm milk that is left sitting out and unused.The formula should be discarded after one hour at room temperature or within 24 hours if refrigerated.

Choice D is wrong because burping the newborn after finishing each ounce of formula is not necessary.Burping can interrupt the feeding and make the baby lose interest in finishing the bottle.The baby should be burped only when they show signs of discomfort or after finishing the feeding.

Normal ranges for formula intake vary depending on the baby’s age, weight and appetite.In general, newborn babies need around 150 to 200 ml per kilo of their weight a day until they’re 6 months old.The baby should be fed when they show signs of hunger, such as rooting, sucking or crying, and not forced to finish the bottle if they are full.