Which action would best demonstrate evidence-based nursing practice in the care of a patient who is 1 day postpartum and reporting nipple soreness while breast-feeding?

• A. Give the baby a bottle after 5 minutes of nursing
• B. Assess the mother-baby couplet for nursing position and latch, and correct as indicated
• C. Advise the use of a breast pump until nipple soreness resolves
• D. Advise alternating breast and bottle feedings

Answer: (B)

Nipple soreness in the first day after birth is most often due to an imperfect latch or poor positioning. The best approach is to assess how the mother and baby are feeding together and correct latch and positioning as needed. When you observe and help with a proper latch, you aim for the baby to take a wide portion of the areola into the mouth, the chin touching the breast, the nose breathing but not pressed into the breast, a deep and comfortable latch, and the mother in a relaxed, supportive position. Correcting these factors reduces friction, allows efficient milk transfer, and relieves pain, which supports ongoing breastfeeding and aligns with evidence-based practice.

Providing a bottle after a brief nursing session, or recommending pumping until soreness resolves, or suggesting alternating breast and bottle feedings does not address the underlying latch issue and can interfere with breastfeeding success or create nipple confusion.