©GRACEAMELIA 2024/2025 ACADEMIC YEAR. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
FIRST PUBLISH OCTOBER 2024
IBCLC EXAM: Maternal Pathology Practice
Questions and Answers
Hypoplasia/ Amastia - Ans:✔✔-abnormally shaped breasts with insufficient glandular tissue
-widely spaced
-asymmetric
-pt may have had breast augmentation to correct appearance
-few breast changes during pregnancy
-no engorgement postpartum
-possible connection to thyroid disease
-low supply likely
-monitor infant growth
Page 1/24
, ©GRACEAMELIA 2024/2025 ACADEMIC YEAR. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
FIRST PUBLISH OCTOBER 2024
-counseling necessary
-may improve with subsequent pregnancies
-utilize pumping/galactogogues
Galactorrhea - Ans:✔✔-spontaneous lactation, milk production post weaning
-d/t medications or health problem
Hyperprolactinemia - Ans:✔✔-elevated prolactin levels
-d/t hypo or hyperthyroidism, psychosis/anxiety meds, renal failure, pituitary/uterine/ovarian tumors
Pitting edema - Ans:✔✔-excessive swelling
-d/t breast abscess, cancer, malignant condition: peau d'orange, trauma to breast, inflammation of
breast, obstruction of milk ducts/glands, benign breast lump/cyst
Candidiasis (thrush) - Ans:✔✔-yeast infection, likely candida
Page 2/24
, ©GRACEAMELIA 2024/2025 ACADEMIC YEAR. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
FIRST PUBLISH OCTOBER 2024
-d/t nipple trauma, mastitis, antibiotic use, vaginal yeast infection, contraceptives, steriods
-passed between mom and baby: treat both
-thrush can cause gassy/fussy baby
-mother c/o nipple/areolar pain, burning and radiating through breast
-areola appears shiny pink
-use good cleaning techniques
-don't stop breastfeeding
-tx with nystatin/diflucan
-keep nipples dry, use clean breast pads, expose breasts to sunlight, decease sugar and dairy
Vasospasm/Raynaud's - Ans:✔✔-stinging, tingling, burning with triphasic color changes: white/blue/red
-triggered by emotional stress, cold; infants who clench, chew, bite the nipple
-initiate let down before putting baby to breast
Page 3/24
FIRST PUBLISH OCTOBER 2024
IBCLC EXAM: Maternal Pathology Practice
Questions and Answers
Hypoplasia/ Amastia - Ans:✔✔-abnormally shaped breasts with insufficient glandular tissue
-widely spaced
-asymmetric
-pt may have had breast augmentation to correct appearance
-few breast changes during pregnancy
-no engorgement postpartum
-possible connection to thyroid disease
-low supply likely
-monitor infant growth
Page 1/24
, ©GRACEAMELIA 2024/2025 ACADEMIC YEAR. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
FIRST PUBLISH OCTOBER 2024
-counseling necessary
-may improve with subsequent pregnancies
-utilize pumping/galactogogues
Galactorrhea - Ans:✔✔-spontaneous lactation, milk production post weaning
-d/t medications or health problem
Hyperprolactinemia - Ans:✔✔-elevated prolactin levels
-d/t hypo or hyperthyroidism, psychosis/anxiety meds, renal failure, pituitary/uterine/ovarian tumors
Pitting edema - Ans:✔✔-excessive swelling
-d/t breast abscess, cancer, malignant condition: peau d'orange, trauma to breast, inflammation of
breast, obstruction of milk ducts/glands, benign breast lump/cyst
Candidiasis (thrush) - Ans:✔✔-yeast infection, likely candida
Page 2/24
, ©GRACEAMELIA 2024/2025 ACADEMIC YEAR. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
FIRST PUBLISH OCTOBER 2024
-d/t nipple trauma, mastitis, antibiotic use, vaginal yeast infection, contraceptives, steriods
-passed between mom and baby: treat both
-thrush can cause gassy/fussy baby
-mother c/o nipple/areolar pain, burning and radiating through breast
-areola appears shiny pink
-use good cleaning techniques
-don't stop breastfeeding
-tx with nystatin/diflucan
-keep nipples dry, use clean breast pads, expose breasts to sunlight, decease sugar and dairy
Vasospasm/Raynaud's - Ans:✔✔-stinging, tingling, burning with triphasic color changes: white/blue/red
-triggered by emotional stress, cold; infants who clench, chew, bite the nipple
-initiate let down before putting baby to breast
Page 3/24
