Breastfeeding and Lactation Flashcards
What impact does early nutrition have on an infant?
Significant impact on present and future health and well-being of the infant
Early nutrition is crucial for cognitive and emotional development.
What are the essential nutrients needed in a newborn’s diet?
- Hydration
- Calories
- Protein
- Carbohydrates
- Fats
- Vitamins
- Minerals
These nutrients support rapid physical and neurologic growth and development.
What is the best estimate of adequate fluid and caloric intake for infants?
Weight
Infants typically lose weight in the first few days after birth.
What is the typical weight loss for formula-fed and breast-fed infants in the first few days after birth?
- Formula fed: 3-5% of birth weight
- Breast fed: up to 7% of birth weight
Weight loss is due to loss of extracellular fluids and low fluid intake.
By what day should a newborn start regaining their birth weight?
By around 10 days
Preterm infants may differ based on medical conditions.
How is growth tracked in infants?
Through growth charts
WHO growth charts are based on expected weight gain for breastfeeding infants.
What does ‘small for gestational age’ mean?
Weight less than the 10th percentile for gestational age
This reflects inadequate growth in utero.
Define ‘macrosomia’.
Weight greater than 4000 grams
Macrosomia can indicate potential complications during delivery.
What is Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)?
Restricted fetal growth below expected in utero rate
IUGR may or may not be classified as SGA.
What is the expected weight gain for a term infant?
Approximately 1 ounce per day or 15 grams/kg/day
Infants double their birth weight by 5 months and triple it by 1 year.
What is the typical gastric volume of a term infant?
Approximately 30 mls
This indicates the capacity of the infant’s stomach at birth.
What is the primary carbohydrate in an infant’s diet?
Lactose
Lactose enhances absorption of calcium, magnesium, and zinc.
What are essential fatty acids important for in infants?
Visual acuity and cognitive ability
Key fatty acids include Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Arachidonic acid (ARA).
What is the recommended protein intake for infants?
3-4 grams/kg/day
Protein is crucial for muscle and organ structure.
What is the significance of iron in infant nutrition?
Iron in human milk is more easily absorbed than in iron supplemented formulas
Infants should avoid low iron formulas.
What are the primary types of infant formulas?
- Milk-based
- Soy-based
- Hydrolyzed or partially hydrolyzed
- Preterm formulas
Each type serves different dietary needs and sensitivities.
What are the advantages of breastfeeding?
- Protection from infection
- Greater feeding tolerance
- Lower risk of type I diabetes
- Fewer gastrointestinal diseases
- Facilitates bonding
Breastfeeding also assists with maternal weight reduction.
What are contraindications for breastfeeding?
- Human immunodeficiency virus
- Active untreated tuberculosis
- Galactosemia
- Herpes simplex if lesions present
Certain medications and drugs of abuse also contraindicate breastfeeding.
What triggers milk production after delivery?
Decreased levels of progesterone
Breast stimulation helps maintain high prolactin levels for lactation.
What is colostrum?
Initial milk available to the baby at delivery
It contains concentrated amounts of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
What is a sign of successful breastfeeding?
The infant is nursing at least 8 times in 24 hours
Other signs include appropriate weight gain and 6-8 wet diapers per day.
What should be avoided until breastfeeding is well established?
Introducing a pacifier
It’s recommended to wait 3-4 weeks for this.
