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

Two-phase pumping replicates the infant's initial rapid stimulation suckling followed by slower nutritive suckling, which optimally triggers let-down and maximizes milk removal.

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

Once breast milk has been offered to an infant, backwash from the infant's saliva introduces bacteria, so leftover milk must be used within 2 hours or discarded.

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

Power pumping mimics cluster feeding by alternating short pumping and rest intervals within a one-hour block, elevating prolactin levels to increase milk supply.

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

Transporting milk in an insulated cooler bag with ice packs maintains safe temperatures and should be followed by immediate refrigeration upon arrival at the destination.

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

Thawed breast milk should be used within 24 hours of complete thawing in the refrigerator, as the freezing and thawing process accelerates bacterial growth and oxidative changes.

IBCLC - Certification Exam Practice Test

IBCLC - Certification Exam Practice Test

IBCLC Milk Expression and Storage 3