Developed by D. Ann Currie , RN, MSN
Nutritional Comparison:
Breast Milk
 90% water
 Same weight gain or greater during first 3-4 months
 Fat is variable
 Primary carbohydrate is lactose, trace amounts of
other carbohydrates
Components of Breast Milk
 Whey/Casein ratio changes according to infant needs
 Whey components include alpha-lactalbumin, serum
albumin, lactoferrin, immunoglobulins, and lysozyme
 Low in vitamin D, adequate vitamin C & B complex
 Mineral content similar
 Iron absorption: 50-60%
Advantages of
Breastfeeding
 Species specific
 Cholesterol in breast milk plays a role in myelination
and neurologic development
 More efficient metabolism of cholesterol
 Composition varies according to gestational age
 Iron is more readily absorbed
Infant Benefits
 Reduced risk of
 Type I or type II diabetes mellitus
 Lymphoma, leukemia, & Hodgkin’s disease
 Obesity
 Hypercholesterolemia
 Asthma
 Protection from
 Respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract infections
 Necrotizing enterocolitis
 Urinary tract infections
 Otitis media
 Bacterial meningitis
Maternal Physical Benefits
 Decreased postpartum bleeding
 More rapid uterine involution
 Burns additional calories
 Decreased risk of developing
 Breast and ovarian cancer
 Postmenopausal osteoporosis
Maternal Psychosocial
Benefits
 Improved maternal-infant attachment
 Skin-to-skin contact
 Tactile communication
 Learn behavioral cues and needs
 Prolactin increases feelings of relaxation and euphoria
 Oxytocin heightens responsiveness and receptivity
toward infant
Disadvantages to
Breastfeeding
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Pain due to nipple tenderness
Leaking milk when breasts are full
Embarrassment about breastfeeding
Feeling tied down to the demands of breastfeeding
Unequal feeding responsibilities/fathers left out
Perceptions about diet restrictions
Limited birth control options
Vaginal dryness
Concerns about the safety of medications and
breastfeeding
Feeding Interventions:
Birthing Room
 Assess for signs of readiness to feed
 Place newborn on mother’s chest
 Breastfeeding may begin in birthing room
 Assess infant physiologic status during feeding
Feeding Interventions
 Monitor progress
 Education
 Anticipatory guidance
 Evaluate the need for follow-up after discharge
Infant Feeding Education
 On Demand” feeding pattern
 Infant feeding cues
 Normal feeding/sleeping patterns
 Satiety behaviors
 Growth patterns
Breastfeeding Education
 Positioning
 Latching
 Breast milk pumping and storage
 Supplementation
Nutritional Comparison:
Formula
 90% water
 Greater weight gain after 3-4 months
 Lactose is only carbohydrate
Components of Formula
 Whey/Casein ratio is 60:40
 Whey components are beta-lactoglobulin and alpha-
lactalbumin
 Adequate amounts of vitamins
 Mineral content similar
Formula Feeding Education
 Intake and output expectations
 Preparation and storage of formula
 Feeding technique
 Equipment
 Safety precautions
Growth Rates
 Both breastfed and formula-fed infants experience
growth spurts requiring increased feedings
 Breastfeeding mother should nurse more frequently
 Formula feeding mother should slightly increase
amount of feeding
Influence of Culture
on Infant Feeding
 Perception of breasts as sexual organ
 Perceptions of colostrum
 Language
The End of Part IV