CBC Milk Expression & Storage 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A mother reports that her stored breast milk smells soapy after refrigeration. This is most likely due to:
- Bacterial contamination from improper handling
- High lipase activity breaking down milk fats (Correct answer)
- Mixing warm milk with cold stored milk
- Using a dirty pump kit
Correct answer: High lipase activity breaking down milk fats
High lipase activity can break down milk fats rapidly, producing a soapy or rancid smell; this milk is safe to consume but some babies may refuse it.
Question 2: To prevent the soapy smell caused by high lipase activity, a breastfeeding counselor would recommend the mother:
- Add a drop of vanilla extract to each storage bag
- Scald the milk (heat to approximately 180°F/82°C) before refrigerating or freezing (Correct answer)
- Refrigerate the milk immediately after expression without any treatment
- Switch to a different pump brand
Correct answer: Scald the milk (heat to approximately 180°F/82°C) before refrigerating or freezing
Scalding milk to approximately 180°F (82°C) — just before a boil — deactivates lipase enzymes before storage, preventing the soapy taste and smell.
Question 3: In a standard household freezer (0°F/-18°C), breast milk can be stored safely for:
- 1 month
- 3 months
- 6 months (Correct answer)
- 12 months
Correct answer: 6 months
Breast milk can be stored in a standard household freezer at 0°F (-18°C) for up to 6 months optimally, though it remains safe for up to 12 months.
Question 4: When storing breast milk in the freezer, which practice is recommended to preserve quality?
- Filling containers completely to maximize volume per bag
- Storing in the freezer door for easy access
- Leaving 1 inch of space at the top of rigid containers to allow for expansion (Correct answer)
- Laying bags flat after sealing to save space but standing rigid containers upright
Correct answer: Leaving 1 inch of space at the top of rigid containers to allow for expansion
Breast milk expands when frozen, so leaving about 1 inch of headspace in rigid containers prevents cracking or breaking when the liquid expands.
Question 5: A mother returning to work asks about adding fresh expressed milk to already refrigerated stored milk. The most appropriate guidance is:
- Always combine milk from multiple sessions to reduce the number of containers
- Never combine milk from different sessions
- Cool the freshly expressed milk first before adding it to already-cold stored milk (Correct answer)
- Warm the refrigerated milk to room temperature before adding fresh milk
Correct answer: Cool the freshly expressed milk first before adding it to already-cold stored milk
Freshly expressed milk should be cooled in the refrigerator first before combining with already-cold stored milk to avoid warming the stored milk, which could reduce its safe storage window.
Question 6: Which of the following is the safest method to thaw frozen breast milk?
- Microwave on low setting for 30 seconds
- Place in boiling water for 2 minutes
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or hold under warm running water (Correct answer)
- Leave at room temperature for several hours until fully thawed
Correct answer: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or hold under warm running water
Thawing in the refrigerator overnight or under warm running water preserves milk components; microwaving creates hot spots that can burn the baby and destroy antibodies, and room temperature thawing increases bacterial growth risk.
Question 7: A pumping mother asks about flange (breast shield) sizing. Which statement about flange fit is correct?
- All women should use the standard 24mm flange that comes with most pumps
- The correct flange allows only the nipple to move freely in the tunnel, with minimal areola drawn in (Correct answer)
- A larger flange is always better to prevent nipple trauma
- Flange size does not significantly affect milk output or comfort
Correct answer: The correct flange allows only the nipple to move freely in the tunnel, with minimal areola drawn in
The correct flange fit allows the nipple to move freely in the tunnel without rubbing the sides, with only a small amount of areola drawn in, maximizing milk removal and minimizing discomfort.
CBC Milk Expression & Storage 2
A mother reports that her stored breast milk smells soapy after refrigeration.
This is most likely due to: