The breastfeeding dyad: early assessment, documentation, and intervention.

The early postpartum period is a critical time for the establishment of lactation. Although newborns are well equipped with reflexes that enhance breastfeeding, many aspects of the experience can be assisted by the knowledge and skills of clinicians. To prevent negative outcomes for mothers and infants, it is essential that the clinician make an accurate assessment of breastfeeding technique and milk intake by the infant. An understanding of the mechanics of milk transfer serves as a foundation for developing interventions to be applied to the common breastfeeding challenges (including difficult latch-on, nipple trauma, and lack of nutritive suckling) that can jeopardize effective breastfeeding.