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

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.
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-​Carrie's infant can be expected to need about how many feedings per 24-hour period during the first month or so?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During the first month or so, infants typically need to feed about 8-12 times per 24-hour period. This frequent feeding helps establish a good milk supply and ensures that the baby is receiving enough of the important nutrients found in breastmilk. As the baby grows and develops, the frequency of feedings may decrease, but it is important to feed on demand and allow the baby to set the pace.

Carrie Is Days Away from Delivering Her First Baby