A nurse is caring for a client who is 6 hours postpartum and asks the nurse to feed her newborn. Which of the following responses should the nurse provide?
Explanation & Rationale
A. "I'll feed him today. Maybe tomorrow you can try it. This response discourages maternal involvement in infant care and fosters dependence on the nurse. It denies the mother the opportunity to bond with her baby and build confidence in caring for the newborn during this critical early period. B. "Oh, this isn't difficult. You'll be fine doing this." This statement dismisses the client’s concerns and may make her feel misunderstood or inadequate. It lacks empathy and does not offer the emotional support or guidance that new mothers often need while learning to care for their infants. C. "You can learn to feed him; I wasn't comfortable the first time I fed a baby either." This response shifts the focus onto the nurse’s experience rather than supporting the client directly. It misses the opportunity to actively guide or assist the mother in the moment, which is more beneficial. D. "Feeding an infant can feel a little intimidating at first, but I'll stay and help you." This response validates the client’s feelings and provides both emotional reassurance and practical assistance. It encourages maternal involvement while offering support, promoting bonding and confidence in infant care.