Carrie is days away from delivering her first baby. She has been contemplating breastfeeding for its nutritional and immunological benefits and has been reading about breastfeeding and talking to mothers who breastfed their babies. The birthing center where she receives prenatal care, and where she will deliver her baby, has scheduled Carrie to meet with its lactation expert. Carrie has read the birthing center's "Guide to Successful Breastfeeding" and is prepared to ask the lactation expert about relaxation techniques. Not only is Carrie "high-strung" by nature, but she is quite anxious about the childbirth process, let alone the prospect of breastfeeding. Imagine you are the lactation expert who is counseling Carrie.
Carrie's infant can be expected to need about how many feedings per 24-hour period during the first month or so?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During the first month or so, a breastfed infant typically needs to be fed 8-12 times in a 24-hour period. It's important for Carrie to understand her baby's feeding cues and to feed on demand rather than on a strict schedule, in order to establish a good milk supply and meet her baby's nutritional needs. The lactation expert can also provide guidance on relaxation techniques to help Carrie feel more comfortable and confident with breastfeeding.

Carrie Is Days Away from Delivering Her First Baby