The nurse is concerned that a new mother is ambivalent about the newborn and does not participate in newborn care. What action should the nurse take to help both the mother and newborn at this time?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Some patients do not openly voice a wish to give up a child, but their actions demonstrate they feel little attachment to their newborn. A woman who has doubts about wanting the baby is slow to make contact, barely touching the baby even by the time of discharge, and asking few questions about newborn care. When this happens, the hospital social service department can be of assistance in helping the patient plan the child's future. The nurse needs to do more than schedule home care for the mother and infant. The nurse should consult with Social Services that will assess who is going to care for the infant at home and find out if the patient wants to give the baby up for adoption. This is not the nurse's role.

The Nurse Is Concerned That a New Mother Is Ambivalent