CLC Breastfeeding Challenges & Clinical Solutions 2

Question 1

What is the recommended position for breastfeeding a baby with gastroesophageal reflux?

Accepted Answer

An upright or semi-upright position to reduce reflux episodes

Answer

Keeping the baby more upright during and after feeding helps reduce reflux by using gravity to keep milk in the stomach. The laid-back or upright positions minimize the flow of milk back up the esophagus.

Question 2

What is a galactagogue and when might a lactation counselor discuss it?

Accepted Answer

A substance believed to increase breast milk production, discussed when other supply-building strategies have been tried first

Answer

Galactagogues are foods, herbs, or medications believed to increase milk supply. Lactation counselors may discuss them after addressing latch, feeding frequency, and other evidence-based supply management strategies.

Question 3

What is the proper storage duration for expressed breast milk at room temperature (77°F/25°C)?

Accepted Answer

Up to 4 hours

Answer

According to CDC guidelines, freshly expressed breast milk can be stored at room temperature (up to 77°F/25°C) for up to 4 hours. After that, it should be refrigerated or discarded.

Question 4

What role does skin-to-skin contact play in establishing breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

It triggers the baby's innate feeding reflexes, regulates temperature, and promotes bonding and milk production

Answer

Immediate skin-to-skin contact after birth activates the baby's instinctive feeding behaviors, stabilizes temperature and heart rate, promotes oxytocin release in the mother, and significantly improves breastfeeding initiation and duration.

Question 5

When should a lactation counselor recommend a mother seek medical evaluation rather than continuing lactation counseling alone?

Accepted Answer

When there are signs of infection (fever, red streaks), significant infant weight loss, or jaundice

Answer

Lactation counselors must recognize when issues exceed their scope of practice. Medical referral is indicated for signs of infection, significant infant weight loss (>10% of birth weight), jaundice, or other clinical concerns.

CLC - Certified Lactation Counselor Practice Test

CLC - Certified Lactation Counselor Practice Test

CLC Breastfeeding Challenges & Clinical Solutions 2