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Which action minimizes pain for an infant requiring a heel stick during breastfeeding?

  1. Use a manual lancet to obtain the heel blood sample.

  2. Apply an ice pack to the infant's heel prior to obtaining the sample.

  3. Allow the mother to breastfeed while the sample is being obtained.

  4. Apply a topical lidocaine cream prior to obtaining the sample.

The correct answer is: Allow the mother to breastfeed while the sample is being obtained.

Allowing the mother to breastfeed while the sample is being obtained is an effective method to minimize pain for the infant during a heel stick. Breastfeeding provides comfort and helps distract the infant from the procedure, which can significantly reduce the perception of pain. The act of breastfeeding releases endorphins, which can naturally alleviate discomfort. Additionally, the close physical contact and presence of the mother during the heel stick can help soothe the infant, making the experience less stressful. This approach aligns with the understanding that infants benefit from the calming effects of breastfeeding, particularly in stressful situations. The other options, while they might provide some level of comfort or pain relief, do not address the emotional and psychological support that breastfeeding offers in this context.