CBC Milk Expression & Storage 3

Question 1

When counseling a mother on building a breast milk freezer stash before returning to work, which approach is most practical?

Accepted Answer

Wait until milk supply is well established (around 3-4 weeks) and pump once daily after the morning feeding

Answer

Starting to pump after milk supply is established (around 3-4 weeks) and adding one daily session after the morning feeding — when supply is typically highest — builds a stash without disrupting breastfeeding or oversupply.

Question 2

A hospital-grade multi-user pump is most appropriate for which situation?

Accepted Answer

A mother with premature or ill infant who is unable to breastfeed directly and needs to establish supply

Answer

Hospital-grade pumps have powerful motors designed for frequent, prolonged use and are especially important for mothers who must establish and maintain supply without direct breastfeeding, such as when an infant is in the NICU.

Question 3

Which component of the pump kit requires the most attention to cleaning to prevent contamination of expressed milk?

Accepted Answer

Any part that comes into contact with breast milk, especially flanges, valves, and backflow protection membranes

Answer

All parts that contact breast milk — flanges, valves, membranes, and bottles — must be thoroughly cleaned after each use; tubing that doesn't contact milk typically doesn't require the same level of cleaning.

Question 4

A mother asks if she can re-freeze breast milk that has been thawed but not fully consumed. The correct guidance is:

Accepted Answer

No, previously thawed breast milk should not be refrozen

Answer

Thawed breast milk should not be refrozen because repeated freeze-thaw cycles degrade milk quality, reduce beneficial components, and increase bacterial growth risk.

Question 5

A mother who is pumping at work asks about milk storage during her workday. Which recommendation is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

She can store expressed milk in an insulated cooler bag with ice packs for up to 24 hours

Answer

An insulated cooler bag with ice packs can keep expressed breast milk safely cold for up to 24 hours, making it a practical solution for workplace pumping when a refrigerator is not available.

CBC - Certified Breastfeeding Counselor Practice Test

CBC - Certified Breastfeeding Counselor Practice Test

CBC Milk Expression & Storage 3