CLC - Certified Lactation Counselor Maternal and Infant Nutrition Questions and Answers

Question 1

A breastfeeding mother reports feeling fatigued and is looking for nutritional advice. How many additional calories per day are generally recommended for a well-nourished, exclusively breastfeeding mother compared to her pre-pregnancy intake?

Accepted Answer

330 to 400 kcal

Answer

Well-nourished breastfeeding mothers are recommended to consume an additional 330 to 400 kilocalories (kcal) per day to meet the energy demands of milk production. This amount supports a healthy milk supply while allowing for gradual postpartum weight loss.

Question 2

A new mother who is exclusively breastfeeding her 2-month-old infant asks if her baby needs any nutritional supplements. Which of the following supplements is routinely recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for all exclusively breastfed infants beginning in the first few days of life?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin D

Answer

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all breastfed and partially breastfed infants be supplemented with 400 IU of vitamin D per day, beginning in the first few days of life. Human milk is typically low in Vitamin D, which is crucial for bone health and preventing rickets.

Question 3

During a postpartum visit, a client who follows a strict vegan diet asks about key nutrients she needs to be mindful of while breastfeeding. Which two nutrients have increased requirements during lactation and may require special attention or supplementation in a vegan diet?

Accepted Answer

Iodine and Choline

Answer

A mother's need for both iodine and choline increases significantly during lactation to support the infant's growth and neurological development. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend 290 mcg of iodine and 550 mg of choline daily for breastfeeding women. While B12 and iron are also important, the requirements for iodine and choline specifically increase during lactation.

Question 4

A mother of a healthy, exclusively breastfed 6-month-old is ready to introduce complementary foods. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, which type of food should be among the first introduced to meet the infant's increasing nutritional needs?

Accepted Answer

Iron-rich foods, such as pureed meats or iron-fortified cereals

Answer

By around 6 months, an infant's iron stores from birth begin to deplete, and breast milk alone may not provide enough iron. Therefore, it is recommended to introduce iron-rich foods, like pureed meats or iron-fortified infant cereals, as one of the first complementary foods to prevent iron deficiency.

Question 5

A client is concerned about her fluid intake while breastfeeding. What is the general recommendation for hydration for a lactating mother?

Accepted Answer

Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily and have a beverage available during nursing sessions.

Answer

While there isn't a magic number, a common recommendation is to drink at least 8 cups of water or other liquids per day and to have a glass of water nearby each time the baby nurses to stay well-hydrated. It's important to drink enough to satisfy thirst, as inadequate fluid intake can sometimes affect milk supply.

CLC - Certified Lactation Counselor Practice Test

CLC - Certified Lactation Counselor Practice Test

CLC - Certified Lactation Counselor Maternal and Infant Nutrition Questions and Answers