IBCLC Milk Expression and Storage 3

Question 1

Which pumping pattern most effectively optimizes the milk ejection reflex in a mother of a preterm infant?

Accepted Answer

Two-phase pumping beginning with rapid low-suction stimulation followed by slower higher-suction expression

Answer

Constant maximum suction maintained throughout the full session

Answer

Alternating between maximum and zero suction every 30 seconds

Answer

Constant moderate suction paired with simultaneous manual breast compression only

Question 2

A mother has offered her infant a bottle of expressed breast milk. The infant did not finish it. What is the correct guidance for handling the remaining milk?

Accepted Answer

Use within 2 hours or discard

Answer

Refrigerate and use within 24 hours

Answer

Refreeze if not used within 30 minutes

Answer

Re-warm and offer again within 4 hours

Question 3

Which description most accurately defines 'power pumping'?

Accepted Answer

Pumping in short repeated bursts within a one-hour block (e.g., 20 min on, 10 min off, 10 min on, 10 min off, 10 min on) to mimic cluster feeding

Answer

Using maximum suction on an electric pump for a single 30-minute session

Answer

Pumping one breast at a time with alternating manual compression

Answer

Double pumping continuously for 45–60 minutes once per day

Question 4

A mother returning to work asks how to transport freshly pumped milk safely during her commute. What is the best recommendation?

Accepted Answer

Keep milk in an insulated cooler bag with ice packs and refrigerate immediately upon arrival

Answer

Freeze the milk before transport to ensure it stays cold

Answer

Transport at room temperature if the commute is under 2 hours

Answer

Add ascorbic acid to the milk to inhibit bacterial growth during transport

Question 5

Once frozen breast milk has been thawed in the refrigerator, how long may it be stored before it must be discarded?

Accepted Answer

24 hours

Answer

48 hours

Answer

72 hours

Answer

7 days

Question 6

A mother reports that her stored breast milk smells soapy or rancid even though it was collected and stored correctly. What is the most likely explanation?

Accepted Answer

Excess lipase activity that breaks down milk fat during storage

Answer

Bacterial contamination from inadequate pump part cleaning

Answer

Normal oxidative changes that do not affect the milk's safety or nutritional value

Answer

Inadequate sealing of storage containers allowing air-related spoilage

Question 7

Which statement is TRUE regarding the use of galactagogues in an exclusively pumping mother with low milk supply?

Accepted Answer

Galactagogues are most effective when used as an adjunct to frequent, effective milk removal

Answer

Galactagogues should be the first-line intervention before optimizing pumping frequency

Answer

Domperidone is FDA-approved for use as a galactagogue in the United States

Answer

Herbal galactagogues such as fenugreek have strong randomized controlled trial evidence supporting their efficacy