Practical Management of the Nursing “Dyad”

Abstract Management of lactation begins with understanding the dyadic process of milk production, latching on, suckling, and milk transfer. In areas lacking strong cultural support for breastfeeding, the medical provider plays a critical role in enabling human lactation. Because mothers and infants vary, lactation should be evaluated just like any other physiologic process. Providers must understand the anatomy and physiology of lactation to assess and manage problems. This chapter addresses the basic management of breastfeeding, including common and less common issues that may arise. The first part describes routine management of lactation perinatally: (1) prenatal period; (2) immediate postpartum, or hospital, period; and (3) postnatal, or posthospital, period. The second part provides a structure for the diagnosis and management of breastfeeding problems.