What maternal education should be provided upon discharge from the hospital?

Providing education on hand expression techniques and expected breastfeeding challenges upon discharge from the hospital is crucial for supporting new mothers in their breastfeeding journey. This education helps mothers understand how to effectively manage breastfeeding, enabling them to express milk if necessary, which can be useful in situations where the baby may not latch correctly or the mother needs to relieve engorgement.

Moreover, addressing expected challenges prepares mothers for potential obstacles they may encounter, such as difficulties with latching, concerns about milk supply, or managing discomfort. This proactive approach fosters confidence and equips mothers with strategies to overcome these challenges, enhancing their likelihood of successfully initiating and maintaining breastfeeding.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the goals of promoting breastfeeding and the principles of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative. Using pacifiers before three weeks can interfere with breastfeeding by affecting the baby's latch and sucking reflex. Immediate introduction of formula supplementation may undermine exclusive breastfeeding efforts and is not recommended unless medically necessary. Lastly, engaging in sleep training for infants is not relevant at this stage and does not support breastfeeding or bonding between the mother and baby in the early postpartum period.