Which statement by a client after attending a breastfeeding class indicates understanding of the teaching?

The statement indicating understanding of the teaching about breastfeeding is that the client intends to feed the baby each time he cries. This approach aligns with the principles of responsive feeding, which emphasizes recognizing and responding to a baby's hunger cues. Crying is often a sign that the baby is hungry or needs comfort, and feeding on demand helps ensure that the baby gets adequate nutrition and strengthens the emotional bond between the mother and the infant.

In contrast, the other options do not reflect best practices for breastfeeding. Feeding only every four hours could lead to underfeeding, especially in the early weeks when infants might need to eat more frequently. Relying on formula if milk supply is low may imply a misunderstanding of how to manage breastfeeding challenges; rather than supplementing with formula automatically, mothers can typically work on increasing their milk supply through techniques like frequent breastfeeding or pumping. Pumping milk for later feedings might be useful for some mothers but isn’t the primary focus in the early stages of breastfeeding; the emphasis is generally placed more on establishing a good breastfeeding routine and responding to the baby’s immediate needs.