IBCLC - Certification Communication and Counseling Questions and Answers

Question 1

A new mother seems distressed and states, "I just feel like I'm failing.
He's crying all the time, and I don't think I'm making enough milk.
I'm so tired." Which of the following responses BEST demonstrates the use of active listening?

Accepted Answer

"It sounds incredibly exhausting and upsetting to feel like you're not able to satisfy your baby. You're trying so hard."

Answer

"Here is a weighted feed log; let's track his intake for 24 hours to get accurate data."

Answer

"Most new mothers feel this way. Have you tried offering the breast more frequently?"

Answer

"I remember when my baby was that age, I was a wreck too. It does get better eventually."

Question 2

Which of the following questions is most consistent with the spirit of Motivational Interviewing when counseling a parent who is ambivalent about continuing to provide human milk?

Accepted Answer

"On one hand, you find it challenging, but on the other hand, what have been some of the good things about your experience so far?"

Answer

"Why would you consider stopping when you know all the health benefits your baby will miss out on?"

Answer

"You really should continue for at least six months to meet the recommendations."

Answer

"Are you aware that stopping now could increase your baby's risk of ear infections?"

Question 3

During a consultation, a mother tearfully describes a persistent low mood, loss of pleasure in activities she used to enjoy, and overwhelming anxiety for the past month. She states, "I'm just not a good mother." What is the MOST appropriate action for the IBCLC?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge her distress, use a validated screening tool for perinatal mood disorders, and provide a direct referral to her primary care provider or a mental health professional.

Answer

Reassure her that these feelings are normal 'baby blues' and will resolve on their own.

Answer

Advise her to try herbal supplements like St. John's Wort, which can help with mood.

Answer

Suggest she join a local breastfeeding support group to be around other mothers.

Question 4

When teaching a new parent how to hand express milk, which educational strategy is most effective according to adult learning principles?

Accepted Answer

Briefly demonstrating the technique and then guiding the parent as they practice it themselves, offering feedback.

Answer

Providing a detailed pamphlet with diagrams for the parent to review later.

Answer

Verbally explaining each step of the process in a clear, logical sequence.

Answer

Showing a high-quality video of the technique and asking for questions afterward.

Question 5

An IBCLC is working with a family from a culture where it is traditional to offer a newborn herbal tea to 'cleanse the system.' The parent is receiving conflicting advice from their family and the pediatrician. Which action best demonstrates cultural humility?

Accepted Answer

Asking open-ended questions to understand the significance of the tradition, such as, "Can you tell me more about this tea and why it is important to your family?"

Answer

Telling the parent that the pediatrician's medical advice is correct and that family traditions are often outdated and unsafe.

Answer

Creating a standard educational handout about the risks of supplementing newborns and giving it to all clients.

Answer

Ignoring the family's comment about the tea and focusing only on the technical aspects of latch and positioning.

Question 6

During a consult, the breastfeeding parent's partner repeatedly makes critical comments, such as, "See, the baby is still crying. I told you the baby isn't getting enough." The breastfeeding parent becomes visibly discouraged. What is the IBCLC's most appropriate strategy?

Accepted Answer

Address the partner directly with objective data, such as, "Let's look at the diaper log together to see the baby's output."

Answer

Ask the partner to leave the room so you can focus on the breastfeeding parent.

Answer

Tell the breastfeeding parent to ignore the comments and focus on the baby.

Answer

End the consultation and suggest they rebook when they are in agreement.