CBC Milk Expression & Storage 2

Question 1

A mother reports that her stored breast milk smells soapy after refrigeration. This is most likely due to:

Accepted Answer

High lipase activity breaking down milk fats

Answer

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:

Accepted Answer

Scald the milk (heat to approximately 180°F/82°C) before refrigerating or freezing

Answer

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:

Accepted Answer

6 months

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Leaving 1 inch of space at the top of rigid containers to allow for expansion

Answer

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:

Accepted Answer

Cool the freshly expressed milk first before adding it to already-cold stored milk

Answer

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.

CBC - Certified Breastfeeding Counselor Practice Test

CBC - Certified Breastfeeding Counselor Practice Test

CBC Milk Expression & Storage 2