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

Initiating pumping within the first hour after birth mimics the timing of a healthy newborn's first feed and maximizes early prolactin stimulation to establish milk supply.

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

Pumping 8–10 times per 24 hours closely mirrors normal newborn nursing frequency and provides the prolactin stimulation needed to establish full milk production.

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

Fat naturally rises to the top of stored breast milk; gentle swirling (not shaking) safely recombines the layers without damaging delicate bioactive proteins.

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

Hard-sided storage containers specifically designed for breast milk are most durable, less prone to leaks, and best maintain milk integrity during long-term freezer storage.

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

The correct flange size is found by measuring the nipple diameter in millimeters and adding 2–3 mm to allow unobstructed nipple movement within the tunnel.

IBCLC - Certification Exam Practice Test

IBCLC - Certification Exam Practice Test

IBCLC Milk Expression and Storage 2