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. "Oh, this isn't difficult. You'll be fine doing this.": This statement minimizes the mother’s feelings and does not provide support or guidance. It may leave her feeling dismissed or anxious about her ability to feed the newborn. B. "Feeding an infant can feel a little intimidating at first, but I'll stay and help you.": This response acknowledges the mother’s concerns, normalizes her feelings, and offers hands-on support. It encourages confidence and promotes skill-building in a safe environment. C. "I'll feed him today. Maybe tomorrow you can try it.": Taking over the feeding does not empower the mother or provide her with the opportunity to learn and gain confidence in newborn care. D. "You can learn to feed him; I wasn't comfortable the first time I fed a baby either.": Sharing personal experience may not be helpful and can shift focus away from the mother’s needs. While well-intentioned, it does not actively provide guidance or support in the moment.