What is an important counseling point for parents of a newborn with breast enlargement?

What is an important counseling point for parents of a newborn with breast enlargement?

• A. Apply warm compresses
• B. Begin secretion expression to relieve swelling
• C. Do not squeeze the breast to express milk
• D. Seek cosmetic surgery if persists

Answer: (C)

Neonatal breast enlargement is usually due to maternal hormones and is a common, self-limiting finding. The important counseling point is to avoid squeezing or expressing milk from the newborn’s breasts. There is typically little or no milk to express, and manipulating the area can irritate the skin, lead to cracking or infection, and does not help swelling. Reassure parents that this is normal and usually resolves on its own in a few weeks to months. Keep the area clean with gentle washing, and seek medical advice if there is redness, warmth, fever, or if swelling persists or worsens.

Neonatal breast enlargement is usually due to maternal hormones and is a common, self-limiting finding. The important counseling point is to avoid squeezing or expressing milk from the newborn’s breasts. There is typically little or no milk to express, and manipulating the area can irritate the skin, lead to cracking or infection, and does not help swelling. Reassure parents that this is normal and usually resolves on its own in a few weeks to months. Keep the area clean with gentle washing, and seek medical advice if there is redness, warmth, fever, or if swelling persists or worsens.