Introductory Breastfeeding Support Quiz

1. A mother tells you that her one week old baby has lost too much weight according to her pediatrician and he wants her to start supplementing with formula. You ask her a few questions about her babies birth and current weight and learn the following:
Birth-weight: 9 lbs 2 oz.
Current weight:: 8 lbs 9 oz.

What do you tell her (choose one answer)?

You tell her that it's normal for a baby to lose up to 10% of their birth-weight in the first week and as long as he regains it by 2 weeks old there is nothing to worry about.

You tell her that her baby has lost more then 10% of it's birth-weight and thus needs to be supplemented.

You tell her that babies shouldn't be loosing weight at all during the first week so she needs to start supplementing the baby.

Based on the information provided, the answer suggests that it is normal for a baby to lose up to 10% of their birth-weight in the first week. As long as the baby regains the lost weight by 2 weeks old, there is no cause for concern. This explanation reassures the mother that her baby's weight loss is within the normal range and does not require immediate supplementation.

Explanation

Based on the information provided, the answer suggests that it is normal for a baby to lose up to 10% of their birth-weight in the first week. As long as the baby regains the lost weight by 2 weeks old, there is no cause for concern. This explanation reassures the mother that her baby's weight loss is within the normal range and does not require immediate supplementation.

2. A mother-to-be comes to you and explains that she had to have her left breast removed due to breast cancer and wants to know if she can breastfeed. You tell her (Choose one answer):

Yes but she won't be able to produce enough milk so she will need to supplement with formula.

Yes, it's definitely possible to produce enough milk with only one breast so she should likely be able to exclusively breastfeed just fine.

No, she needs both breasts in order to produce milk.

Breast milk production is primarily controlled by hormones, not the number of breasts. Even with only one breast, a mother can still produce enough milk to exclusively breastfeed her baby. The removal of one breast does not affect the ability to produce milk in the remaining breast. However, it is important to note that individual milk supply can vary, and some mothers may need to supplement with formula if their milk supply is insufficient.

Explanation

Breast milk production is primarily controlled by hormones, not the number of breasts. Even with only one breast, a mother can still produce enough milk to exclusively breastfeed her baby. The removal of one breast does not affect the ability to produce milk in the remaining breast. However, it is important to note that individual milk supply can vary, and some mothers may need to supplement with formula if their milk supply is insufficient.

3. A mother of a newborn reports that she is experiencing extreme pain while nursing. You ask her if her baby is latching on correctly and she says to all external appearances yes. She says she has no signs of thrush or mastitis. What would you advise she consider next as a possible cause of her pain (choose one)?

Raynaud's syndrome

Nothing, she just needs to wait for her nipples to toughen up.

Tongue-tie

Fibromyalgia

The mother should consider tongue-tie as a possible cause of her pain while nursing. Tongue-tie is a condition where the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too tight, restricting the movement of the tongue. This can make it difficult for the baby to latch on properly and can cause pain for the mother during breastfeeding.

Explanation

The mother should consider tongue-tie as a possible cause of her pain while nursing. Tongue-tie is a condition where the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too tight, restricting the movement of the tongue. This can make it difficult for the baby to latch on properly and can cause pain for the mother during breastfeeding.

4. A working mother reports that she is having trouble pumping enough for her baby's bottles at daycare. She says her baby is eating 6 oz per bottles at daycare every 3 hours and is still acting like she is hungry. You tell her that the baby is being fed too much as typical breastfed babies need no more 3-4 oz per bottle. You advise that she instruct her daycare provider to do paced bottle feeding. You explain that paced bottle feeding involves (choose one answer):

Pacing around the room while bottle feeding which slows down the baby's eating pace and encourages the baby to not overeat.

Pulling the bottle out of the baby's mouth slightly after every 1/2 oz eaten so the baby's brain has time to recognize when the stomach is full.

Decreasing the amount of time between feeds so the baby is not so hungry and thus won't overeat.

Adding Pace Picante to her bottles so she eats less.

Pulling the bottle out of the baby's mouth slightly after every 1/2 oz eaten allows the baby's brain to register when the stomach is full. This technique, known as paced bottle feeding, helps prevent overeating by giving the baby time to recognize their satiety cues. By slowing down the feeding process, the baby is less likely to consume more milk than necessary and will be more satisfied with the appropriate amount of milk.

Explanation

Pulling the bottle out of the baby's mouth slightly after every 1/2 oz eaten allows the baby's brain to register when the stomach is full. This technique, known as paced bottle feeding, helps prevent overeating by giving the baby time to recognize their satiety cues. By slowing down the feeding process, the baby is less likely to consume more milk than necessary and will be more satisfied with the appropriate amount of milk.

5. A mother is worried that her 2 week old baby only wants to nurse for 10-15 minutes per feed every 3 hours. What do you tell her (choose one)?

Hold the baby's head to the breast when it tries to unlatch so the baby will feed longer.

She likely is not producing enough milk and should start supplementing with formula.

She should only feed the baby only every 4 hours so the baby learns to take more milk at each feeding.

She should pump and offer a bottle of EBM after every feed.

Some babies are very efficient from day one and as long as the baby has proper weight gain and wet and dirty diapers counts there is nothing to worry about.

This answer explains that some babies are naturally efficient at nursing and are able to get enough milk in a shorter amount of time. As long as the baby is gaining weight properly and has an adequate number of wet and dirty diapers, there is no cause for concern. This reassures the mother that her baby's feeding pattern is normal and does not require any intervention.

Explanation

This answer explains that some babies are naturally efficient at nursing and are able to get enough milk in a shorter amount of time. As long as the baby is gaining weight properly and has an adequate number of wet and dirty diapers, there is no cause for concern. This reassures the mother that her baby's feeding pattern is normal and does not require any intervention.

6. The mother reports that she has the signs of thrush and would like to know of a good over the counter treatment she can use to try and get rid of it. You suggest the following option (choose one):

Rub breast milk on her nipples.

Spray jock itch spray on her nipples

Use grapefruit seed extract on her nipples.

Use grapefruit extract on her nipples

Grapefruit seed extract is commonly used as a natural remedy for thrush due to its antifungal properties. It can help eliminate the fungus causing the infection and alleviate the symptoms. Rubbing breast milk on the nipples may not be as effective in treating thrush, as it does not have the same antifungal properties. Jock itch spray is designed for a different type of fungal infection and may not be suitable for treating thrush on the nipples. Grapefruit extract is not specified for its antifungal properties, so it may not be as effective as grapefruit seed extract in treating thrush.

Explanation

Grapefruit seed extract is commonly used as a natural remedy for thrush due to its antifungal properties. It can help eliminate the fungus causing the infection and alleviate the symptoms. Rubbing breast milk on the nipples may not be as effective in treating thrush, as it does not have the same antifungal properties. Jock itch spray is designed for a different type of fungal infection and may not be suitable for treating thrush on the nipples. Grapefruit extract is not specified for its antifungal properties, so it may not be as effective as grapefruit seed extract in treating thrush.

7. A mother whom you know to be taking Zoloft, tells you she has been given a prescription by her doctor for Reglan to increase her low milk supply and ask if you think it a good idea for her to take it. You say (choose one):

It's fine to take by itself but she should temporarily stop taking the Zoloft since it's unsafe to take the two together.

She should not take it due to a side effect in some moms of severe depression.

It's complete safe for her to use it and she should not to worry at all.

She should ask her doctor for a Yaz birth control pills as they have the nice side effect of increasing your milk supply and are less risky.

The correct answer advises against taking Reglan due to a potential side effect of severe depression in some mothers. This suggests that the medication may have negative effects on the mental health of certain individuals. It is important for the mother to prioritize her well-being and consult with her doctor for alternative options.

Explanation

The correct answer advises against taking Reglan due to a potential side effect of severe depression in some mothers. This suggests that the medication may have negative effects on the mental health of certain individuals. It is important for the mother to prioritize her well-being and consult with her doctor for alternative options.

8. A mother is tells you that here exclusively breastfed baby is going in for surgery and that she was told by the surgeon that the baby should not be breastfed at all on the day of the surgery. You tell her (choose one):

She should follow the surgeons advice but pump her milk to keep her supply up that day.

That the surgeon's advice is wrong as breast milk is considered a clear liquid.

Breast milk is considered a clear liquid, which means it is allowed to be consumed before surgery. The mother should follow the surgeon's advice and continue to breastfeed her baby on the day of the surgery. It is important to keep the baby well-nourished and hydrated, and breast milk provides essential nutrients and hydration for the baby's well-being.

Explanation

Breast milk is considered a clear liquid, which means it is allowed to be consumed before surgery. The mother should follow the surgeon's advice and continue to breastfeed her baby on the day of the surgery. It is important to keep the baby well-nourished and hydrated, and breast milk provides essential nutrients and hydration for the baby's well-being.

9. The mother says her baby has the following systems:
* Bloody mucousy stools
* Constant colic
* Eczema
* Constant fussiness
* Frequent spit-up

What would you tell the mom her problem likely is (choose one)?

The problem is likely a hind-milk/fore-milk imbalance that bock feeding should correct.

The baby is likely lactose intolerant and needs to be switched to lactose-free formula.

The problem is likely a allergy to cow's milk protein and she should eliminate dairy from her diet.

Probably just standard reflux symptoms. She should just get a prescription for reflux medication from the baby's doctor.

The baby's symptoms, including bloody mucousy stools, eczema, and constant fussiness, suggest a possible allergy to cow's milk protein. Eliminating dairy from the mother's diet can help alleviate the symptoms.

Explanation

The baby's symptoms, including bloody mucousy stools, eczema, and constant fussiness, suggest a possible allergy to cow's milk protein. Eliminating dairy from the mother's diet can help alleviate the symptoms.

10. A mother complains of severe crack and bleed nipples from a poor latch that has allready been corrected. She says since they are not healing very fast, is there something she can do? You advised she make up some All Purpose Nipple Ointment (APNO) using equal parts of the following over-the-counter drugs (Choose all that apply):

Clearasil

Bactroban

Betamethasone

KY jelly

Miconazole

The correct answer includes Bactroban, Betamethasone, and Miconazole. These three over-the-counter drugs can be used to make All Purpose Nipple Ointment (APNO) to treat severe crack and bleed nipples. Bactroban is an antibiotic ointment that can help prevent infection. Betamethasone is a corticosteroid that can reduce inflammation and itching. Miconazole is an antifungal medication that can treat any fungal infection. By combining these three drugs in equal parts, the mother can create an effective ointment to help heal her nipples.

Explanation

The correct answer includes Bactroban, Betamethasone, and Miconazole. These three over-the-counter drugs can be used to make All Purpose Nipple Ointment (APNO) to treat severe crack and bleed nipples. Bactroban is an antibiotic ointment that can help prevent infection. Betamethasone is a corticosteroid that can reduce inflammation and itching. Miconazole is an antifungal medication that can treat any fungal infection. By combining these three drugs in equal parts, the mother can create an effective ointment to help heal her nipples.

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11. A mother says her baby sometimes bites her nipple during breastfeeding and refuses to let go. Which of the following are good suggestions for putting an end to this (choose all that apply)?

Push the baby's head gently into her breast. When she unlatches, refuse continue that nursing session.

Scream in pain to let the baby know how much it hurts. When she unlatches, refuse continue that nursing session.

Pinch the baby's nose briefly. When she unlatches, refuse continue that nursing session.

Stop breastfeeding permanently as babies are too young to be able to learn not to bite.

Swat the baby's bottom firmly and say loudly "bad baby". Then place baby on floor and refuse to pick them up for a while.

Pushing the baby's head gently into her breast and pinching the baby's nose briefly are good suggestions for putting an end to the baby biting during breastfeeding. These actions create a mild discomfort for the baby, causing them to unlatch from the breast. By refusing to continue the nursing session when the baby unlatches, the mother establishes a clear consequence for biting, teaching the baby that biting leads to the end of the feeding. This helps the baby learn not to bite during breastfeeding.

Explanation

Pushing the baby's head gently into her breast and pinching the baby's nose briefly are good suggestions for putting an end to the baby biting during breastfeeding. These actions create a mild discomfort for the baby, causing them to unlatch from the breast. By refusing to continue the nursing session when the baby unlatches, the mother establishes a clear consequence for biting, teaching the baby that biting leads to the end of the feeding. This helps the baby learn not to bite during breastfeeding.

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12. A mother thinks her milk supply has gone down. Which of the following are questions you would want to ask to help determine if her baby really is getting enough breast milk (Choose all they apply)?

How much are you able to pump?

Is your baby often fussy at feedings?

Does she gulp down a bottle of breast milk or formula after feeding at the breast?

How many wet and dirty diapers per day does the baby have on average?

What has been the babies weight gain pattern?

The two questions that would help determine if the baby is getting enough breast milk are: "How many wet and dirty diapers per day does the baby have on average?" and "What has been the baby's weight gain pattern?" These questions are important because the number of wet and dirty diapers can indicate if the baby is getting enough milk, and the weight gain pattern can also be a good indicator of adequate milk intake.

Explanation

The two questions that would help determine if the baby is getting enough breast milk are: "How many wet and dirty diapers per day does the baby have on average?" and "What has been the baby's weight gain pattern?" These questions are important because the number of wet and dirty diapers can indicate if the baby is getting enough milk, and the weight gain pattern can also be a good indicator of adequate milk intake.

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13. The mother describes the following symptoms in her baby
* He gulps, chokes, sputters, or coughs during feedings at breast
* He arches and holds himself very stiffly, sometimes screaming
* He burps or passes gas frequently between feedings, tends to spit up a lot
* He has green, watery or foamy, explosive stools

You advice her that she likely has _________ and that she should start ___________ (fill in the blanks, separating your answers with a comma).

The mother describes symptoms that are indicative of an oversupply of breast milk. This means that the baby is getting too much milk too quickly, leading to gulping, choking, and spitting up. The recommendation to start block feeding involves feeding the baby on one breast for a certain period of time before switching to the other breast. This helps to regulate milk supply and reduce the symptoms of oversupply.

Explanation

The mother describes symptoms that are indicative of an oversupply of breast milk. This means that the baby is getting too much milk too quickly, leading to gulping, choking, and spitting up. The recommendation to start block feeding involves feeding the baby on one breast for a certain period of time before switching to the other breast. This helps to regulate milk supply and reduce the symptoms of oversupply.

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14. A mother is having problems producing enough milk for her one week old baby due to mismanagement of breastfeeding and needs to temporarily supplement with formula. Since you don't want her supplementing using a bottle just yet in order to avoid the risk of nipple confusion you must suggest an alternative. Other then an SNS, Haberman feeder, or tube feeding, what is a good alternative supplementation method that you can suggest to her (all correct use the format _____-feeding with a dash seperating the words)?

Cup-feeding, finger-feeding, eyedropper-feeding, and syringe-feeding are all alternative methods of supplementing a baby's feeding without using a bottle. Cup-feeding involves using a small cup to feed the baby, while finger-feeding involves using a clean finger to feed the baby. Eyedropper-feeding involves using an eyedropper to administer the supplement, and syringe-feeding involves using a syringe to feed the baby. These methods can be used to avoid nipple confusion and ensure that the baby receives the necessary supplementation while breastfeeding issues are being resolved.

Explanation

Cup-feeding, finger-feeding, eyedropper-feeding, and syringe-feeding are all alternative methods of supplementing a baby's feeding without using a bottle. Cup-feeding involves using a small cup to feed the baby, while finger-feeding involves using a clean finger to feed the baby. Eyedropper-feeding involves using an eyedropper to administer the supplement, and syringe-feeding involves using a syringe to feed the baby. These methods can be used to avoid nipple confusion and ensure that the baby receives the necessary supplementation while breastfeeding issues are being resolved.

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15. A mother is having a hard time getting her breastfed baby to take a bottle from her and she would like to be able to leave the house by herself with others able to feed the baby once in a while. You tell her the following (choose all that apply):

She should have given a bottles from the very beginning to avoid her refusing it later on.

She should have her DH/SO give the bottles instead of herself and leave the house during this time.

She should just hold out until the baby is gets so hungry that it stop's refusing the bottle.

She should use a slow flow nipple.

Bring the baby towards he breast las if to breastfeed but at the last second shove the bottle in the babies mouth in order to trick the baby into taking the bottle.

The explanation for the correct answer is that having someone else, such as the DH/SO, give the bottles instead of the mother can help the baby associate the bottle with someone other than the mother, making it easier for them to accept it. Using a slow flow nipple is also recommended because it mimics the flow of breast milk and can make the transition from breast to bottle easier for the baby.

Explanation

The explanation for the correct answer is that having someone else, such as the DH/SO, give the bottles instead of the mother can help the baby associate the bottle with someone other than the mother, making it easier for them to accept it. Using a slow flow nipple is also recommended because it mimics the flow of breast milk and can make the transition from breast to bottle easier for the baby.

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