CBC CBC Breastfeeding Support & Lactation 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) was launched by which organizations?
- CDC and FDA
- WHO and UNICEF (Correct answer)
- AAP and ACOG
- La Leche League and ILCA
Correct answer: WHO and UNICEF
The BFHI was established in 1991 by the World Health Organization and UNICEF to promote, protect, and support breastfeeding in maternity facilities.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of colostrum produced in the first few days postpartum?
- To provide high caloric content for rapid weight gain
- To deliver concentrated antibodies and immune factors to the newborn (Correct answer)
- To establish the mother's long-term milk supply
- To hydrate the infant before mature milk arrives
Correct answer: To deliver concentrated antibodies and immune factors to the newborn
Colostrum is rich in immunoglobulins (especially IgA), leukocytes, and growth factors that provide passive immunity and gut protection to the newborn.
Question 3: A mother working full-time asks about maintaining her milk supply. The MOST important advice is:
- Switch to formula during work hours only
- Pump at regular intervals to mimic the infant's feeding schedule (Correct answer)
- Introduce formula gradually to reduce demand
- Feed only at night to maintain supply
Correct answer: Pump at regular intervals to mimic the infant's feeding schedule
Regular milk expression (every 2–3 hours) during work hours maintains supply through the supply-demand relationship of lactation.
Question 4: Under the US Affordable Care Act (ACA), employers with 50+ employees are required to provide:
- Paid maternity leave for breastfeeding mothers
- Reasonable break time and a private space for pumping at work (Correct answer)
- On-site lactation consultants
- Reimbursement for breast pumps
Correct answer: Reasonable break time and a private space for pumping at work
The ACA's 'Break Time for Nursing Mothers' provision mandates reasonable unpaid breaks and a private, non-bathroom space for milk expression.
Question 5: Which of the following medications is GENERALLY considered safe for a breastfeeding mother?
- Radioactive iodine for thyroid treatment
- Chemotherapy agents
- Ibuprofen (short-term use) (Correct answer)
- Ergotamine for migraines
Correct answer: Ibuprofen (short-term use)
Ibuprofen transfers minimally into breast milk and is widely regarded as compatible with breastfeeding when used short-term at recommended doses.
Question 6: The LactMed database, a key reference for breast counselors, is maintained by:
- La Leche League International
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) (Correct answer)
- Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Correct answer: National Institutes of Health (NIH)
LactMed is a free, peer-reviewed database from the NIH's National Library of Medicine containing drug and chemical data relevant to breastfeeding.
CBC CBC Breastfeeding Support & Lactation 3
The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) was launched by which organizations?