A nurse is teaching a parent about appropriate snack choices for her 9-month-old infant. Which of the following food choices should the nurse recommend?

Choice A reason: Alternating the first breast that is offered to the baby with each feeding is a good practice for breastfeeding because it can ensure equal stimulation and drainage of both breasts, which can prevent engorgement, mastitis, or low milk supply. Alternating breasts can also provide the baby with both foremilk and hindmilk, which have different compositions and benefits.

Choice B reason: Storing breast milk in the refrigerator up to 48 hours is not a good practice for breastfeeding because it can reduce the quality and safety of the milk. Breast milk should be stored in the refrigerator for no longer than 24 hours or in the freezer for no longer than 6 months. Breast milk should also be stored in clean, sterile containers and labeled with the date and time of expression.

Choice C reason: Nursing the baby once every 4 hours is not a good practice for breastfeeding because it can decrease the milk production and supply, which can affect the growth and development of the baby. Breastfeeding should be done on demand or at least every 2 to 3 hours during the day and every 3 to 4 hours at night. Breastfeeding should also last for at least 10 to 15 minutes per breast or until the baby is satisfied.

Choice D reason: Offering the baby water between feedings is not a good practice for breastfeeding because it can interfere with the baby's appetite and intake of breast milk, which can cause dehydration, malnutrition, or failure to thrive. Breast milk contains enough water and nutrients to meet the baby's needs for the first six months of life. Water should be avoided or limited until the baby starts solid foods.

Choice Areason: Increasing phosphorus intake is not advisable for clients with chronic kidney disease, as they may have hyperphosphatemia, a condition of high phosphorus levels in the blood. Hyperphosphatemia can cause bone loss, calcification of soft tissues, and itching.

Choice Breason: Increasing potassium intake is not advisable for clients with chronic kidney disease, as they may have hyperkalemia, a condition of high potassium levels in the blood. Hyperkalemia can cause muscle weakness, numbness, tingling, and cardiac arrest.

Choice C reason: Limiting protein intake is advisable for clients with chronic kidney disease, as protein metabolism produces urea, which is excreted by the kidneys. High protein intake can increase the workload and damage of the kidneys, and cause uremia, a condition of high urea levels in the blood. Uremia can cause nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and mental confusion.

Choice D reason: Limiting calcium intake is not advisable for clients with chronic kidney disease, as they may have hypocalcemia, a condition of low calcium levels in the blood. Hypocalcemia can cause muscle spasms, seizures, and cardiac arrhythmias.