IBCLC Milk Expression and Storage

Question 1

What is the maximum recommended storage time for freshly expressed breast milk at room temperature (up to 77°F/25°C)?

Accepted Answer

4 hours

Answer

2 hours

Answer

6 hours

Answer

8 hours

Question 2

Which hand expression technique uses a C-hold with rhythmic compress-and-release cycles to best mimic infant suckling?

Accepted Answer

Marmet technique

Answer

Hoffman technique

Answer

Reverse pressure softening

Answer

Cross-cradle compression

Question 3

For a stand-alone deep freezer maintained at 0°F (-18°C), how long can expressed breast milk be stored while remaining safe?

Accepted Answer

12 months

Answer

3 months

Answer

6 months

Answer

9 months

Question 4

What is the safest method for thawing previously frozen breast milk?

Accepted Answer

Overnight thawing in the refrigerator

Answer

Microwave on low for 30 seconds

Answer

Boiling in a pot of water

Answer

Leaving at room temperature for 4 hours

Question 5

A mother wants to combine freshly pumped warm milk with cold refrigerated milk. What is the correct guidance?

Accepted Answer

Cool the fresh milk in the refrigerator first before combining with cold milk

Answer

Add warm milk directly to cold milk immediately after pumping

Answer

Combine warm and cold milk only if the total volume is under 60 mL

Answer

Combining milk from different sessions is not recommended

Question 6

Which statement best describes why hospital-grade breast pumps are recommended for mothers with NICU infants compared to personal-use pumps?

Accepted Answer

They are engineered as multi-user devices with replaceable personal kit parts and stronger, more efficient motors

Answer

They apply higher maximum suction to extract more milk

Answer

They require less frequent cleaning and are more portable

Answer

They automatically adjust suction to match the infant's feeding pattern

Question 7

What is the recommended position of the nipple within the breast pump flange tunnel during pumping?

Accepted Answer

The nipple should move freely in the tunnel without touching the sides

Answer

The nipple should rub against the tunnel walls to maximize stimulation

Answer

The areola should fill the tunnel to at least the 2 cm mark

Answer

The nipple should align with the bottom of the tunnel for optimal suction seal