Which of the following is a risk factor for excess weight loss in infants?

Primiparity, or being a first-time mother, is associated with various challenges that can increase the risk of excess weight loss in infants. First-time mothers may lack experience in breastfeeding and may encounter difficulties such as establishing an effective latch, recognizing signs of hunger, or handling the demands of feeding. These challenges can sometimes lead to inadequate milk intake for the infant, contributing to excessive weight loss after birth. Moreover, new mothers might experience increased stress and uncertainty during their initial breastfeeding experience, which can further complicate the feeding process and affect the infant's overall feeding efficacy.

In contrast, mothers with prior successful breastfeeding experiences are often more knowledgeable and confident in their ability to breastfeed, leading to better outcomes for their infants in terms of weight maintenance and growth. Elements such as the duration of labor and maternal smoking rates also do not typically impact the immediate breastfeeding success and weight loss in infants as significantly as the inexperience associated with primiparity does.