Breastfeeding: NCLEX Priorities
Latch, supply, mastitis, jaundice, medications and breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding teaching shows up frequently on NCLEX. The standard recommendations.
Latch and positioning
Nose to nipple, mouth wide, lips flanged, jaw moving. Pain after initial latch suggests poor latch, break suction (finger in corner of mouth) and retry.
Supply
Demand drives supply. Frequent feeding (8-12×/day initially). Empty breast. Stay hydrated, eat adequately. Pumping after feeds increases supply.
Mastitis
Painful, red, warm breast + fever. Continue breastfeeding (or pump if too painful). Warm compresses, frequent emptying, antibiotics (dicloxacillin or cephalexin). Most resolve in 24-48h.
Jaundice
Breastfeeding jaundice, inadequate intake, first week. Encourage more frequent feeds. Breast milk jaundice, peaks 2 weeks, prolonged, benign. Phototherapy if bilirubin significantly elevated.
Meds and breastfeeding
Most meds compatible. LactMed is the reference. Avoid: chemotherapy, radioactive iodine, lithium (sometimes), some psych meds. Most antibiotics, antihypertensives safe.
Frequently asked
Can alcohol be in breastmilk?
Yes. Limit, time around feeds, or pump and discard if heavy intake.
Engorgement vs mastitis?
Engorgement: bilateral, fullness, no fever. Mastitis: usually unilateral, fever, localized redness.
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