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 will most likely be successful with breastfeeding if she follows which practice?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Breastfeeding on demand, also known as responsive feeding, is recommended for newborns as it helps establish a good milk supply and ensures that the baby is getting enough milk. It also helps the baby self-regulate their intake and learn hunger cues. Restricting fluids or offering milk on a set schedule can interfere with this and result in decreased milk supply and/or insufficient milk intake for the baby. Providing a pacifier between feedings is also not recommended in the early days of breastfeeding as it can interfere with establishing a good latch and milk transfer. While increasing iron-rich foods is important for maternal health, it is not directly related to success with breastfeeding.

Carrie Is Days Away from Delivering Her First Baby