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Breastfeeding cracked nipples — DRCOG MCQ

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ModeratePostnatalBreastfeeding cracked nipplesDRCOG

A 34-year-old woman has painful cracked nipples in the first week but the baby is feeding and gaining weight. When should this patient be referred?

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Correct answer: B — Advise latch assessment and continued breastfeeding support

Advise latch assessment and continued breastfeeding support is the best answer because the vignette is testing Breastfeeding cracked nipples and the recommended approach is consistent with NICE NG194. The other referral timings are either too slow for the risk described or use a pathway intended for a different presentation. Specifically, Refer same day to the maternity assessment unit; Refer early for specialist fertility assessment; Refer immediately to emergency obstetric care; Refer urgently to the early pregnancy unit would be suboptimal in this scenario. Referral timing is determined by red flags, pregnancy stage and suspected cancer or emergency pathways.

Reference: NICE NG194