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Breastfeeding difficulty — DRCOG MCQ

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ModeratePostnatalBreastfeeding difficultyDRCOG

A 21-year-old woman attends 3 days after delivery because her nipples are cracked and breastfeeding is painful. The baby is passing urine and stool normally and has lost 6% of birth weight. There is no fever or breast erythema. What would you advise?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: B — Observe a feed and arrange skilled breastfeeding support

Painful cracked nipples commonly reflect latch or positioning difficulties, so observing a feed and providing skilled support is the first step. Antibiotics are not indicated without mastitis or infection. The pearl is that early breastfeeding problems are often treatable with technique support and timely reassessment.

Reference: NICE NG194