CMS Breastfeeding & Lactation Support 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary hormone responsible for milk production in breastfeeding mothers?
- Estrogen
- Progesterone
- Prolactin (Correct answer)
- Oxytocin
Correct answer: Prolactin
Prolactin, secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, is the primary hormone that stimulates alveolar cells in the breast to produce milk.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes the 'milk ejection' (let-down) reflex?
- Prolactin release from the anterior pituitary stimulating milk synthesis
- Oxytocin-triggered contraction of myoepithelial cells ejecting milk from alveoli (Correct answer)
- The infant's suckling reflex initiating the feeding cycle
- Breast fullness sensation occurring prior to a scheduled feeding
Correct answer: Oxytocin-triggered contraction of myoepithelial cells ejecting milk from alveoli
The let-down reflex is mediated by oxytocin released from the posterior pituitary, causing myoepithelial cells surrounding alveoli to contract and eject milk toward the nipple.
Question 3: According to WHO and AAP guidelines, when should breastfeeding ideally be initiated after birth?
- Within 30 minutes of birth
- Within 1 hour of birth (Correct answer)
- Within 2 hours of birth
- After the newborn's first bath and assessment
Correct answer: Within 1 hour of birth
WHO and AAP recommend initiating breastfeeding within the first hour of life to capitalize on the newborn's alert state, stimulate milk production, and support thermoregulation.
Question 4: How does colostrum differ from mature breast milk?
- Colostrum has lower protein content and higher fat than mature milk
- Colostrum is higher in immunoglobulins and lower in fat compared to mature milk (Correct answer)
- Colostrum has higher fat content and fewer antibodies than mature milk
- Colostrum contains no nutritional value and serves only as a laxative
Correct answer: Colostrum is higher in immunoglobulins and lower in fat compared to mature milk
Colostrum is rich in secretory IgA, leukocytes, lactoferrin, and growth factors while containing lower fat and lactose compared to mature milk, providing critical immunological protection.
Question 5: A mother reports sore, cracked nipples after 3 days of breastfeeding. What is the most likely cause?
- Breast engorgement causing excessive pressure
- Mastitis developing in the early postpartum period
- Improper latch technique with insufficient areolar tissue in the mouth (Correct answer)
- Milk oversupply causing forceful letdown
Correct answer: Improper latch technique with insufficient areolar tissue in the mouth
Nipple soreness and cracking in early breastfeeding most commonly results from an improper latch where the infant compresses the nipple tip rather than drawing in sufficient areolar tissue.
Question 6: Which breastfeeding position is generally recommended for mothers recovering from cesarean section?
- Cradle hold
- Cross-cradle hold
- Football (clutch) hold (Correct answer)
- Laid-back (biological nurturing) position
Correct answer: Football (clutch) hold
The football hold positions the infant's body under the mother's arm and away from the abdominal incision, reducing pain and allowing good head support without pressure on the surgical site.
Question 7: WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for how long before introducing complementary foods?
- 3 months
- 4 months
- 6 months (Correct answer)
- 12 months
Correct answer: 6 months
WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside appropriate complementary foods up to 2 years or beyond.
CMS Breastfeeding & Lactation Support 1
What is the primary hormone responsible for milk production in breastfeeding mothers?