CLE Milk Expression & Storage 3

Question 1

Which container is preferred for long-term frozen storage of expressed breast milk?

Accepted Answer

BPA-free hard plastic containers or breast milk storage bags specifically designed for freezing

Answer

Containers specifically designed for breast milk—BPA-free hard plastic or purpose-made freezer bags—minimize leakage, cracking, and fat adherence to walls during frozen storage.

Question 2

When filling breast milk storage bags for freezing, best practice is to:

Accepted Answer

Store in small 2–4 oz (60–120 mL) portions to minimize waste

Answer

Storing in 2–4 oz portions reduces waste because thawed milk must be used within 24 hours and any unused amount must be discarded.

Question 3

A mother notices her refrigerated breast milk has separated into two visible layers. She should:

Accepted Answer

Gently swirl or tilt the container to re-incorporate the layers

Answer

Separation of breast milk into a cream layer and a watery layer is completely normal; gently swirling (rather than vigorous shaking) recombines them without damaging fragile immune factors.

Question 4

Previously frozen and thawed breast milk should NOT be:

Accepted Answer

Refrozen for later use

Answer

Refreezing thawed breast milk increases bacterial contamination risk and further degrades its nutritional and immunological components with each freeze-thaw cycle.

Question 5

A mother with a large surplus of frozen breast milk wishes to donate it. The lactation educator should refer her to:

Accepted Answer

An HMBANA-accredited human milk bank that screens donors and pasteurizes donations

Answer

HMBANA-accredited milk banks screen donors for health conditions and medications, pasteurize milk for safety, and prioritize distribution to medically vulnerable infants.

(CLE) Certified Lactation Educator Practice Test

(CLE) Certified Lactation Educator Practice Test

CLE Milk Expression & Storage 3