CLC - Certified Lactation Counselor Maternal Health and Breastfeeding Questions and Answers

Question 1

A 6-week postpartum client who is exclusively breastfeeding asks about contraceptive options.
She is concerned about a potential negative impact on her milk supply.
Which of the following methods is generally considered to have no hormonal impact on lactation?

Accepted Answer

Copper IUD

Answer

Combination oral contraceptive pill

Answer

Progestin-only pill (mini-pill)

Answer

Contraceptive vaginal ring

Question 2

A pregnant client discloses she has a history of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). As a lactation counselor, you recognize that this condition may place her at a higher risk for which specific breastfeeding challenge?

Accepted Answer

Difficulty with milk synthesis due to insufficient glandular tissue

Answer

Hyperlactation due to hormonal fluctuations

Answer

Recurrent plugged ducts from high milk fat content

Answer

Increased nipple sensitivity caused by insulin resistance

Question 3

During a home visit, a mother of a 4-week-old infant appears tearful, expresses feelings of being overwhelmed, and states she has lost interest in her usual hobbies. She worries she is a "bad mother." What is the most appropriate action for the Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC)?

Accepted Answer

Listen empathetically, validate her feelings, and provide referrals to a healthcare provider or mental health professional.

Answer

Advise her to switch to formula to reduce her stress levels.

Answer

Diagnose her with postpartum depression and suggest a treatment plan.

Answer

Assure her that these feelings are normal and will pass on their own without further intervention.

Question 4

A mother diagnosed with mastitis was prescribed an antibiotic. She calls her CLC, concerned about the medication's safety for her breastfed infant. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial response?

Accepted Answer

Explain your role is not to give medical advice, but you can help her find information using a reliable resource like the LactMed® database to discuss with her prescribing doctor.

Answer

Advise her to "pump and dump" for the duration of the antibiotic course.

Answer

Inform her that all antibiotics are unsafe and she must stop breastfeeding immediately.

Answer

Immediately refer her to a different physician for a second opinion.

Question 5

A client at 10 days postpartum reports that her milk has "not come in." She is experiencing persistent heavy, bright red lochia. These two concurrent symptoms could indicate which underlying maternal health issue that requires immediate medical referral?

Accepted Answer

Retained placental fragments

Answer

Postpartum thyroiditis

Answer

Dehydration

Answer

Anemia from normal postpartum blood loss

Question 6

Which of the following is an important physiological effect of exclusive breastfeeding for a mother with pre-existing Type 1 Diabetes?

Accepted Answer

It often leads to improved glycemic control and may decrease her daily insulin needs.

Answer

It significantly and consistently increases her postpartum insulin requirements.

Answer

It eliminates the infant's lifetime risk of developing Type 1 Diabetes.

Answer

It prevents maternal hypoglycemia by stabilizing blood glucose levels.