How should a nurse respond to a mother questioning her newborn's normalcy?

The most effective response to a mother questioning her newborn's normalcy is to encourage her to unwrap and see the baby. This approach offers the mother an opportunity for direct engagement with her newborn, allowing her to observe physical characteristics and behaviors firsthand. Engaging with her baby can help alleviate concerns and promote bonding, which is crucial during the early stages of parenthood.

Encouraging the mother to see her baby also empowers her. It fosters a sense of control and involvement in her care rather than relying solely on medical reassurance. Observing the baby can provide her with evidence of normal behaviors, such as moving, breathing, and responding to stimuli, which can help to calm her anxieties.

Although reassurance about pediatric checks or implications from her pregnancy history can be comforting, they may not address the immediate concerns she has. Providing observations about a newborn's typical behavior, such as crying, while well-intentioned, may not specifically reassure her about overall normalcy in the context of her newborn. Therefore, fostering a direct bond by encouraging her to unwrap and interact with her baby is the most constructive response.