Certified Lactation Specialist Lactation Specialist Nutrition for Lactating Mothers & Infants 4

Question 1

Which mineral's concentration in breast milk is NOT significantly influenced by maternal dietary intake?

Accepted Answer

Calcium

Answer

Calcium in breast milk is tightly regulated by hormonal mechanisms and remains constant regardless of maternal intake; maternal bone is resorbed if dietary calcium is insufficient.

Question 2

An exclusively breastfed infant at 4 months is found to have rickets on X-ray. What is the most likely nutritional cause?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin D deficiency due to low breast milk vitamin D content and insufficient sunlight exposure

Answer

Breast milk is naturally low in vitamin D, and without supplementation or adequate sun exposure, exclusively breastfed infants are at significant risk for vitamin D deficiency rickets.

Question 3

What is the primary role of lactoferrin in human breast milk?

Accepted Answer

Acting as an iron-binding protein with antimicrobial properties

Answer

Lactoferrin binds iron, limiting its availability to pathogens, and has direct antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, contributing to the infant's immune protection.

Question 4

A lactating mother on a strict vegan diet is breastfeeding her 5-month-old. Which supplement is most critical to recommend for the infant?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin B12

Answer

If the vegan mother is not supplementing with B12, her milk will have very low B12 content, putting the infant at risk for severe neurological deficits from B12 deficiency.

Question 5

Which of the following herbal substances is considered potentially unsafe during breastfeeding due to evidence of toxicity or milk reduction?

Accepted Answer

Sage in large medicinal doses

Answer

Sage contains thujone and has been traditionally used to wean or reduce milk supply; large medicinal doses can decrease milk production and may have other adverse effects.

Certified Lactation Specialist Practice Test

Certified Lactation Specialist Practice Test

Certified Lactation Specialist Lactation Specialist Nutrition for Lactating Mothers & Infants 4