International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Practice Exam

Which of the following is a common sign of effective breastfeeding?

1. Frequent crying

2. Gaining weight consistently

3. Always having a full diaper

4. Sleeping through the night

The correct answer is: Gaining weight consistently

Gaining weight consistently is a key indicator of effective breastfeeding for infants. When a baby receives adequate nutrition through breastfeeding, it reflects positively in their weight gain patterns. Consistent weight gain signifies that the baby is feeding well and getting enough milk to support their growth and development. Frequent crying can occur for various reasons and does not necessarily indicate whether breastfeeding is effective. It may stem from hunger, discomfort, or a need for comfort and is not a reliable measure of intake. Always having a full diaper can suggest hydration and adequate milk intake; however, it is not as direct a measure of breastfeeding effectiveness as weight gain. While wet diapers are important, they can vary widely and might not consistently correlate with feeding success. Sleeping through the night is often not achieved by infants in the early days or weeks after birth, even when breastfeeding is established effectively. Sleep patterns can be influenced by numerous factors not solely related to feeding success. Thus, consistent weight gain stands out as the most reliable measure of breastfeeding effectiveness among the options provided.