What should the nurse do to assist the attachment process between a mother and her newborn after birth?

Encouraging continuous rooming-in is essential for fostering the attachment process between a mother and her newborn. This practice allows the mother and baby to be together in the same room, which promotes bonding through physical closeness and direct interaction. It gives the mother the opportunity to engage with her baby, respond to their needs, and develop a recognition of the baby's cues, which strengthens the emotional connection.

Rooming-in can help to enhance maternal confidence and competence in caring for the newborn, as the mother can learn to recognize signs of hunger, comfort, and distress throughout the day and night. This physical proximity makes it easier for the mother to respond to her baby promptly, thereby reinforcing their bond.

The other options do not facilitate attachment as effectively. For instance, assigning one nurse to care for both the mother and baby can limit the mother's involvement and direct interaction with her newborn. Allowing extra visiting privileges in the nursery separates the mother from her baby, potentially disrupting the vital bonding process. Teaching breastfeeding is indeed important for maternal-infant connection; however, it's just one aspect of the overall attachment process and does not replace the benefits of rooming-in. Thus, continuous rooming-in is the most effective strategy for supporting attachment immediately following the birth.