CBS Counseling & Education 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A mother expresses frustration that breastfeeding is taking too long each session. Which counseling approach best addresses her concern?
- Suggest switching to formula to save time
- Validate her feelings and assess latch and transfer efficiency (Correct answer)
- Tell her breastfeeding always takes a long time
- Recommend scheduled feeding every 4 hours
Correct answer: Validate her feelings and assess latch and transfer efficiency
Validating feelings first and then assessing latch and milk transfer addresses the root cause while maintaining the therapeutic relationship.
Question 2: When teaching a new mother about responsive feeding, which statement is most accurate?
- Feed on a strict 3-hour schedule to establish routine
- Feed only when the infant cries loudly
- Respond to early hunger cues before crying begins (Correct answer)
- Limit feeds to 10 minutes per breast
Correct answer: Respond to early hunger cues before crying begins
Responsive feeding means responding to early hunger cues such as rooting and hand-to-mouth movements, before the infant reaches a distressed cry.
Question 3: A CBS is providing anticipatory guidance to a pregnant woman about breastfeeding. Which topic is MOST important to address before delivery?
- How to sterilize bottles for supplementation
- Normal newborn feeding frequency and early hunger cues (Correct answer)
- When to introduce solid foods
- Which breast pump brand to purchase
Correct answer: Normal newborn feeding frequency and early hunger cues
Educating expectant mothers about normal newborn feeding frequency (8-12 times/day) and hunger cues sets realistic expectations and supports breastfeeding success.
Question 4: Which communication technique is most effective when a mother holds a cultural belief that conflicts with breastfeeding recommendations?
- Firmly correct the misconception with scientific data
- Ask open-ended questions to understand her perspective before sharing information (Correct answer)
- Defer entirely to her cultural practice
- Document the conflict and end the session
Correct answer: Ask open-ended questions to understand her perspective before sharing information
Asking open-ended questions demonstrates respect and builds trust, making the mother more receptive to evidence-based information.
Question 5: A mother states she wants to breastfeed but her partner is unsupportive. What is the CBS's best first response?
- Contact the partner directly to educate them
- Provide the mother with breastfeeding statistics to share
- Explore the mother's support needs and discuss strategies for involving the partner (Correct answer)
- Tell the mother she can breastfeed successfully without partner support
Correct answer: Explore the mother's support needs and discuss strategies for involving the partner
Exploring the mother's needs and discussing partner engagement strategies empowers her while addressing a key social determinant of breastfeeding success.
Question 6: Which learning principle is most important when educating a mother who is overwhelmed in the immediate postpartum period?
- Provide comprehensive written materials covering all topics
- Focus on the single most critical skill needed right now (Correct answer)
- Schedule a full 2-hour education session
- Use medical terminology to ensure accuracy
Correct answer: Focus on the single most critical skill needed right now
Limiting instruction to one key skill at a time respects the mother's cognitive load and stress level, improving retention and application.
Question 7: A CBS notices a mother avoids eye contact and gives one-word answers during a consultation. What is the most appropriate response?
- Continue with the planned education agenda
- Ask the mother if she is feeling okay and create space for her to share (Correct answer)
- Speed up the session to reduce her discomfort
- Reschedule the appointment for another day
Correct answer: Ask the mother if she is feeling okay and create space for her to share
Non-verbal cues may indicate emotional distress or postpartum mood concerns, and creating a safe space allows the mother to express her needs.
CBS Counseling & Education 2
A mother expresses frustration that breastfeeding is taking too long each session.
Which counseling approach best addresses her concern?