What is a sign that a breastfed infant is feeding adequately?

Prepare for the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners exam with interactive quizzes, flashcards, and multiple-choice questions. Learn with detailed explanations and ace your exam!

A weight gain of 150—200 grams per week is an excellent indicator that a breastfed infant is feeding adequately. This range reflects healthy growth, ensuring that the infant is receiving enough calories and nutrients from breast milk. Consistent weight gain is crucial in the early stages of life, as it demonstrates that the baby is thriving and meeting developmental milestones.

Infrequent wet nappies may indicate dehydration or inadequate fluid intake, which can be a concern during breastfeeding. On the other hand, excessive crying between feeds can point to hunger or discomfort, suggesting that the infant may not be feeding sufficiently. Similarly, a stool movement every three days is typically not a normal pattern for a breastfed infant, who often has more frequent bowel movements. Hence, excessive crying and infrequent stooling may signal issues related to feeding adequacy. In contrast, steady and appropriate weight gain, as indicated by the correct answer, is a key sign that a breastfed infant is feeding well.

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