Feeding Cues and Patterns
Feeding Cues and Patterns ( 5 Questions)
A nurse is caring for a 4-month-old infant who is breastfed.
The mother reports that her baby feeds about six times a day and sleeps through the night.
The nurse should evaluate this feeding pattern as which of the following?
Normal for the infant’s age and weight. According to the CDC, breastfed babies may feed as often as every 1 to 3 hours in the first days, and then about every 2 to 4 hours on average by 4 months of age.
The number of feedings may vary depending on the baby’s needs and cues. Breastfeeding six times a day and sleeping through the night is within the normal range for a 4-month-old infant who is breastfed.
The infant’s growth rate and needs are not solely determined by the frequency of breastfeeding, but also by the amount of milk intake, weight gain, and diaper output. If the infant is gaining weight, seems content, and has several wet and dirty diapers a day, then he or she is likely getting enough breast milk.
There is no evidence that the infant is overfed or overweight. Breastfed babies are less likely to overeat than formula-fed babies, as they can regulate their own milk intake according to their hunger and satiety signals.
There is no standard or regular feeding pattern for breastfed babies. Breastfeeding on demand, or following the baby’s cues, is recommended by the CDC and other health organizations.
The infant’s feeding pattern may change over time as he or she grows and starts eating solid foods.
Normal for the infant’s age and weight. According to the CDC, breastfed babies may feed as often as every 1 to 3 hours in the first days, and then about every 2 to 4 hours on average by 4 months of age.
The number of feedings may vary depending on the baby’s needs and cues. Breastfeeding six times a day and sleeping through the night is within the normal range for a 4-month-old infant who is breastfed.
Choice B is wrong because the infant’s growth rate and needs are not solely determined by the frequency of breastfeeding, but also by the amount of milk intake, weight gain, and diaper output. If the infant is gaining weight, seems content, and has several wet and dirty diapers a day, then he or she is likely getting enough breast milk.
Choice C is wrong because there is no evidence that the infant is overfed or overweight. Breastfed babies are less likely to overeat than formula-fed babies, as they can regulate their own milk intake according to their hunger and satiety signals.
The infant’s weight should be monitored by a pediatrician and compared to a growth chart for breastfed babies.
Choice D is wrong because there is no standard or regular feeding pattern for breastfed babies. Breastfeeding on demand, or following the baby’s cues, is recommended by the CDC and other health organizations.
The infant’s feeding pattern may change over time as he or she grows and starts eating solid foods.
The mother should not worry about the irregularity of the feeding pattern as long as the infant is healthy and thriving.