Which action is most appropriate to delegate to a UAP in the postpartum unit when supporting a mother who is breastfeeding?

• A. Demonstrating latch technique to the mother
• B. Explaining how to troubleshoot latch issues to the mother
• C. Providing a private breastfeeding instruction session
• D. Assisting with a newborn bath

Answer: (D)

Delegation boundaries for UAPs: they can handle routine, nonclinical tasks that don’t require nursing judgment or patient teaching. In the postpartum setting with a mother who is breastfeeding, tasks that involve teaching, troubleshooting, or assessing latch require nursing knowledge and assessment skills, so they stay with the nurse. A newborn bath, however, is a basic, routine care activity for a stable infant and is appropriate for a UAP to perform under supervision. This arrangement frees the nurse to focus on lactation support, observe the mother–baby feeding, and address any concerns.