Breastfeeding Education & Promotion Flashcards

A WIC breastfeeding peer counselor refers a mother to a CLE because the mother reports her baby feeds 'constantly.' The infant is 3 weeks old, gaining well, and has adequate wet/dirty diapers. What is the BEST response?

Answer: Explain that frequent feeding at 3 weeks is normal and supports milk supply during a growth spurt

Frequent feeding around 3 weeks is a normal growth spurt pattern; with adequate output and weight gain, no intervention is needed.

Which statement about breastfeeding and the risk of breast cancer is supported by evidence?

Answer: Longer cumulative duration of breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer in mothers

Research shows that longer total breastfeeding duration is associated with a modest but significant reduction in a mother's risk of breast cancer.

A mother asks whether she can continue breastfeeding if she has a cold. What is the evidence-based response?

Answer: She should continue breastfeeding because her milk provides antibodies that protect the infant

Continuing to breastfeed during a common cold passes protective maternal antibodies to the infant; the virus is not transmitted through breast milk.

When educating adolescent mothers about breastfeeding, a CLE should be aware that this group is MOST likely to face which barrier?

Answer: Social embarrassment, partner or peer disapproval, and school re-entry demands

Adolescent mothers disproportionately face social, peer, and logistical barriers including embarrassment and return to school, which reduce breastfeeding duration.

Which of the following is a documented benefit of breastfeeding for the infant related to immune function?

Answer: Breastfeeding reduces the risk of otitis media, respiratory tract infections, and gastrointestinal illness

Multiple studies confirm that breastfeeding reduces rates of ear infections, respiratory illnesses, and GI infections due to secretory IgA and other bioactive components.

A hospital is seeking Baby-Friendly designation. Which practice change is REQUIRED under BFHI Step 6?

Answer: Giving newborns no food or drink other than breast milk, unless medically indicated

BFHI Step 6 requires that newborns be given no food or drink other than breast milk unless there is a medical indication.

A CLE is asked to explain how oxytocin functions during breastfeeding. Which description is MOST accurate?

Answer: Oxytocin causes the myoepithelial cells surrounding alveoli to contract, releasing milk (the let-down reflex)

Oxytocin, released from the posterior pituitary, contracts myoepithelial cells around alveoli to eject stored milk during the let-down reflex.