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Neonatal weight loss — DRCOG MCQ

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HardPostnatalNeonatal weight lossDRCOG

A 6-day-old breastfed baby has lost 11% of birth weight, is sleepy during feeds and passes urine twice daily. The mother has painful cracked nipples. What is the most appropriate action?

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Correct answer: D — Arrange same-day feeding assessment and neonatal clinical review

The best answer is “Arrange same-day feeding assessment and neonatal clinical review”. Weight loss of more than 10% after birth requires assessment of feeding, hydration and possible illness. NICE postnatal guidance supports prompt skilled observation of a feed and clinical review, with supplementation decisions individualised rather than automatic. Water feeds are unsafe for young infants and permanent breastfeeding cessation does not address impaired milk transfer.

Reference: NICE NG194: Postnatal care: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng194/chapter/recommendations