A nurse on the postpartum floor is conducting a class on danger signs for postpartum women after discharge. The nurse recognizes that further teaching is needed when a new mother makes which statement.

"I am breast-feeding so I can anticipate that there will be reddened, painful areas in my breasts when I am engorged."

Explanation:

Breast engorgement may be uncomfortable but there should never be reddened, painful areas on either breast and, if this occurs, the doctor needs to be called. This is not normal and the mother needs further teaching. Development of a fever or the lochia becoming foul smelling both indicate a possible infection and the doctor needs to be notified. The mother is correct in stating that the episiotomy should heal over the next few weeks.