CLC Breastfeeding Challenges & Clinical Solutions

Question 1

What is the most common cause of sore nipples during the early days of breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Improper latch positioning

Answer

Low milk supply

Answer

Maternal diet

Answer

Baby's tooth development

Question 2

What is mastitis and how should a lactation counselor advise a mother experiencing it?

Accepted Answer

A bacterial breast infection requiring continued breastfeeding, rest, and often antibiotics

Answer

A normal condition that resolves without any intervention

Answer

A condition requiring immediate cessation of breastfeeding

Answer

A viral infection spread through breast milk to the baby

Question 3

What does the term 'engorgement' refer to in breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Overfilling of the breasts with milk causing swelling, hardness, and pain

Answer

Insufficient milk production

Answer

The baby refusing to nurse

Answer

Inflammation of the nipple only

Question 4

What is a tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) and how can it affect breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

A restricted lingual frenulum that can limit tongue movement and impair the baby's ability to latch and transfer milk effectively

Answer

A temporary condition where the baby's tongue appears blue

Answer

An allergic reaction to breast milk

Answer

A developmental delay in speech only, unrelated to feeding

Question 5

What are the signs that a breastfed newborn is getting adequate milk intake?

Accepted Answer

6 or more wet diapers and 3-4 stools daily by day 4, steady weight gain, and satisfied behavior after feeds

Answer

The baby sleeps through the night from birth

Answer

The mother feels no discomfort during feeding

Answer

The baby feeds for exactly 10 minutes per side

Question 6

What is the recommended approach when a mother reports low milk supply?

Accepted Answer

First verify that supply is actually low through assessment of feeding frequency, diaper output, and weight checks before intervening

Answer

Immediately recommend supplementation with formula

Answer

Advise the mother to switch to exclusive pumping

Answer

Suggest reducing feeding frequency to let milk accumulate