If a mother notices edematous breasts and pink vaginal discharge in her newborn, how should the nurse respond to her inquiry?

When a mother observes edematous breasts and pink vaginal discharge in her newborn, the most appropriate response from the nurse is that this condition is expected and is a result of the mother's hormones. Newborns can often exhibit signs such as breast engorgement, swelling, and even vaginal discharge due to the maternal hormones they were exposed to during pregnancy. This condition is known as "witch's milk" and is a benign and temporary response that typically resolves on its own without medical intervention.

Acknowledging that these signs are a normal physiological response helps alleviate anxiety and prevents the mother from jumping to conclusions about potential serious issues like infections or developmental problems when in fact the signs are common and typical during the first days of life.