CLC Breastfeeding Equipment & Milk Expression 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which breast shield (flange) size is considered the standard fit and used as a starting point when fitting a mother for a breast pump?
- 24 mm (Correct answer)
- 17 mm
- 30 mm
- 21 mm
Correct answer: 24 mm
The 24 mm flange is the standard size included with most pumps, but individual fitting requires measuring the nipple diameter and adding 2–3 mm.
Question 2: When fitting a breast pump flange, the flange is considered correctly sized when:
- The nipple moves freely in the tunnel without the areola being pulled in excessively (Correct answer)
- The entire areola fits inside the flange tunnel
- The nipple fills the tunnel completely with no space around it
- The flange creates a visible ring around the base of the breast
Correct answer: The nipple moves freely in the tunnel without the areola being pulled in excessively
A properly fitted flange allows the nipple to move freely in the tunnel with 2–3 mm of space around it and minimal areola draw-in.
Question 3: What is the maximum recommended storage time for freshly expressed breast milk kept at room temperature (up to 77°F/25°C)?
- 4 hours (Correct answer)
- 8 hours
- 12 hours
- 2 hours
Correct answer: 4 hours
The CDC and ABM recommend freshly expressed breast milk be used within 4 hours when stored at room temperature up to 77°F.
Question 4: According to CDC guidelines, how long can freshly expressed breast milk be safely stored in a standard refrigerator at 40°F (4°C)?
- Up to 4 days (Correct answer)
- Up to 2 days
- Up to 7 days
- Up to 10 days
Correct answer: Up to 4 days
The CDC recommends using refrigerated breast milk within 4 days for best quality and safety, though up to 8 days is possible under very clean conditions.
Question 5: When storing breast milk in a deep freezer at 0°F (-18°C), the recommended maximum storage time is:
- 12 months (Correct answer)
- 3 months
- 6 months
- 18 months
Correct answer: 12 months
Deep freezer storage at 0°F can maintain breast milk quality for up to 12 months, though 6 months is optimal for best nutrient preservation.
Question 6: A mother reports that her refrigerated breast milk has a soapy or rancid smell after several days. This is most likely due to:
- Excess lipase activity breaking down milk fats (Correct answer)
- Bacterial contamination from unclean pump parts
- Normal variation in milk composition
- An allergic reaction in the infant
Correct answer: Excess lipase activity breaking down milk fats
High lipase activity causes milk fats to break down quickly in refrigerated or frozen milk, producing a soapy or rancid smell and taste.
CLC Breastfeeding Equipment & Milk Expression 1
Which breast shield (flange) size is considered the standard fit and used as a starting point when fitting a mother for a breast pump?