IBCLC Milk Expression and Storage 2

Question 1

When an infant is unable to nurse directly after birth, when should a mother begin pumping to best establish her milk supply?

Accepted Answer

Within 1 hour of delivery

Answer

Within 24 hours of delivery

Answer

When her milk transitions from colostrum on day 3-4

Answer

After the infant's first attempted latch at the breast

Question 2

What is the minimum recommended number of pumping sessions per 24 hours during the early postpartum period to establish a full milk supply?

Accepted Answer

8–10 times

Answer

4–6 times

Answer

6–8 times

Answer

12–14 times

Question 3

A mother notices her stored breast milk has separated into a cream layer on top and a watery layer below. What should she be told?

Accepted Answer

This is normal fat separation; gently swirl the container to recombine

Answer

Discard the milk — separation indicates bacterial spoilage

Answer

Shake the container vigorously to fully re-emulsify the fat

Answer

Separation means the milk is nutritionally depleted and formula should be added

Question 4

Which container type is most appropriate for long-term freezer storage of expressed breast milk?

Accepted Answer

Hard-sided BPA-free plastic or glass containers designed for breast milk storage

Answer

Standard zip-lock sandwich bags

Answer

Single-use disposable bottle liners

Answer

Any food-grade BPA-free plastic container

Question 5

How should a mother determine the correct breast pump flange size?

Accepted Answer

Measure the nipple diameter and add 2–3 mm

Answer

Select based on bra cup size

Answer

Choose a medium size as the standard fit for most women

Answer

Start with the largest size and reduce until comfortable

Question 6

An exclusively pumping mother at 6 weeks postpartum reports declining milk output. What is the most appropriate first-line intervention?

Accepted Answer

Increase pumping frequency and add one daily power pumping session

Answer

Introduce formula supplementation to relieve pumping pressure

Answer

Switch from a hospital-grade pump to a personal-use pump

Answer

Reduce pumping sessions to allow breasts to refill fully between sessions

Question 7

Which of the following pump hygiene practices is NOT recommended by CDC guidelines for a healthy full-term infant?

Accepted Answer

Sterilizing all pump parts with a microwave steam bag after every pumping session

Answer

Washing all milk-contact pump parts with soap and water after each use

Answer

Air-drying parts on a clean dedicated towel or rack

Answer

Refrigerating assembled pump parts between sessions to avoid repeated washing