Certified Lactation Specialist Lactation Specialist Nutrition for Lactating Mothers & Infants 2

Question 1

Which micronutrient is most likely to be deficient in the breast milk of a vegan lactating mother who does not supplement?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin B12

Answer

Vitamin B12 is found almost exclusively in animal products, so vegan mothers must supplement to ensure adequate levels in breast milk.

Question 2

A breastfeeding mother asks if she can drink alcohol occasionally. What is the safest evidence-based recommendation?

Accepted Answer

Waiting 2–3 hours per drink before nursing allows alcohol to clear the milk

Answer

Alcohol peaks in breast milk 30–60 minutes after consumption and clears at roughly the same rate as blood; waiting 2–3 hours per standard drink is the safest approach.

Question 3

What is the recommended daily iodine intake for lactating women according to the US Dietary Reference Intakes?

Accepted Answer

290 mcg/day

Answer

Lactating women need 290 mcg/day of iodine, the highest requirement across all life stages, to support infant thyroid function and neurological development.

Question 4

A mother's breast milk appears greenish-blue at the start of a feeding session. What is the most likely explanation?

Accepted Answer

Watery foremilk with higher whey protein content

Answer

Foremilk at the start of a feeding is thinner and can appear bluish due to lower fat and higher whey protein concentration compared to hindmilk.

Question 5

Which fatty acid found in breast milk is critical for infant retinal and brain development?

Accepted Answer

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

Answer

DHA is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid that accumulates in the brain and retina during fetal and infant development, and its breast milk content reflects maternal dietary intake.

Certified Lactation Specialist Practice Test

Certified Lactation Specialist Practice Test

Certified Lactation Specialist Lactation Specialist Nutrition for Lactating Mothers & Infants 2