Which of the following infants is most at risk for suboptimal breastfeeding?

Infants born via C-section are most at risk for suboptimal breastfeeding due to several factors associated with surgical delivery. Research indicates that C-section delivery can impact the initiation and duration of breastfeeding. These infants may experience delayed onset of lactation from the mother due to recovery from surgery, which can affect the establishment of breastfeeding.

C-section births can also result in difficulties with skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth, which is crucial for stimulating breastfeeding behaviors and promoting bonding between the mother and infant. Additionally, there might be a higher likelihood of medical complications in infants born via C-section, which could necessitate separation from the mother and further complicate breastfeeding efforts.

In contrast, exclusively breastfed infants and those delivered vaginally typically have more favorable conditions for initiating and maintaining breastfeeding. Infants without any health issues generally have fewer barriers to breastfeeding. Thus, the circumstances surrounding C-section deliveries make these infants uniquely vulnerable to challenges related to successful breastfeeding.