Lactation Care Questions and
Answers
Which health outcome is WORSE in formula-fed babies?
Diabetes
Malocclusion
Infant mortality
Obesity
All the above - answerALL of these are higher (worse) in formula-fed children and are
dose-related.
Which research method is considered the highest level of credibility?
Survey
Case study
Systematic review
Cohort study - answerSystematic review because it is a study of studies and is a high
level of evidence
Which orofacial abnormality is MOST likely to need surgical repair for effective
breastfeeding?
Unilateral cleft lip
Ankyloglossia
Bilateral cleft palate
Cleft of the soft palate - answerBilateral cleft palate of the hard palate usually needs
surgical repair for breastfeeding to be effective
How long is a typical infant sleep cycle in the first 3 months?
30 minutes or less
60 to 90 minutes
2 hours or more
Through the night - answer60 to 90 minutes throughout the first 6 months
Which drug property results in MORE transfer into milk?
High Lipid solubility
Low pH
High molecular weight
,High protein binding - answerHigh lipid solubility aids transfer across the alveolar cell.
The other factors inhibit transfer into milk
What is the most important factor in ongoing milk production?
Overall breast size
Milk storage capacity
Frequent stimulation of the breast
Frequent emptying of the breast - answerFrequent emptying of the breast
Which protective component in milk is highest in the first few days after birth and
decreases over time?
White cells
Lysozyme
SIgA
Lactoferrin - answerSIgA: secretory immunoglobulin antibody plays an important role in
the protection and homeostatic regulation of intestinal, respiratory, and urogenital
mucosal epithelia separating the outside environment from the inside of the body
Which essential nutrient may be deficient in mothers who consume no animal products?
Iron
Zinc
B12
Vitamin A - answerB12 is found in abundance in animal products. Mothers who avoid
animal products should take a B12 supplement
When should an exclusively breastfed baby begin to be offered family (complementary)
foods?
6 months
12 months
4 months
8 months - answer6 months. "Food before one is just for fun."
Which family planning method is MOST compatible with breastfeeding?
An intrauterine device with estrogen
Barrier methods
LAM (Lactational Amenorrhea Method)
Progestin-only pill - answerLAM is highly effective in the first 6 months. Only 1.5% of
unintended pregnancies occur
Which form of maternity protection MOST supports breastfeeding?
, Pumping facilities
On-site daycare
Flexible scheduling
Paid maternity leave - answerPaid maternity leave is the most common and supportive
form of maternity protection.
Which complication of birth is MOST likely to impact milk production?
Sheehan's syndrome
Forceps use
Epidural anesthesia
Cesarean surgery - answerSheehan's syndrome, or postpartum hemorrhage, can
profoundly affect milk PRODUCTION
*Sheehan syndrome is also known as postpartum pituitary necrosis. Death of the cells
causes prolactin deficiency
If a baby is unable to breastfeed immediately after birth, how soon should the mother
begin hand-expressing her milk?
Within 12 hours
Within 6 hours
Within 1-2 hours
Within 24 hours - answerA normal baby would have moved the breast and begun
nursing within 1-2 hours. If the baby cannot feed, the expression should be started
within the same time frame
Which feature of Kangaroo Mother Care is MOST important to the baby's well-being?
Baby is soothed by mother's voice
Stabilizes baby's cardiovascular function
Reduces noise stimulus from equipment
Pleasant for the mother - answerStabilization of cardiovascular function is most
important. The other features provide benefits to the baby and mother as well.
Which aspect of bonding with twins or triplets is likely to occur first?
Mother struggles with bonding for many weeks
Mother bonds with the first born
Mother bonds with the unit
Mother bonds with the last born - answerMothers of multiples are more likely to bond
with "the unit" before any of the individual babies
What is the global recommendation for the duration of any breastfeeding?
2 years or more