For a teen mother expressing stress about breastfeeding, what is the nurse's best initial response?

• A. Advise her to rest and wait for symptoms to improve.
• B. Encourage her to skip feeding to reduce fatigue.
• C. Who in life is available to support you?
• D. Set a strict feeding schedule immediately.

Answer: (D)

When a teen mother expresses stress about breastfeeding, the first step is to assess and mobilize her support system. Acknowledging how hard this is and asking who in her life can help—family, friends, a partner, or a peer mentor—helps reduce isolation and fatigue and creates an immediate plan for practical and emotional support. This sets the stage for successful breastfeeding by addressing the psychosocial factors that often underlie stress, such as lack of help with chores, childcare, or nighttime feeds. Resting and waiting overlooks her distress, skipping feeds compromises the baby's nutrition and milk supply, and imposing a strict feeding schedule too early can add pressure without addressing her current needs. Focusing on support resources invites a collaborative solution and is the most appropriate initial response.