Breastfeeding Equipment & Milk Expression Flashcards

Which type of breast pump is recommended for a mother of a premature infant who needs to establish and maintain milk supply without breastfeeding at the breast?

Answer: Hospital-grade double electric pump

Hospital-grade double electric pumps provide optimal suction cycles and efficiency for mothers of premature infants who need to establish full milk supply.

What is the recommended pumping frequency for a mother exclusively pumping to establish full milk supply in the first weeks postpartum?

Answer: 8–12 times per 24 hours

To mimic newborn feeding frequency and signal the body to produce a full milk supply, pumping 8–12 times per 24 hours is recommended.

When thawing frozen breast milk, which method is safest?

Answer: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or hold under warm running water

Microwaving creates hot spots and can destroy antibodies; gradual thawing in the refrigerator or under warm running water is the safest method.

How long can previously frozen breast milk that has been thawed in the refrigerator be safely stored?

Answer: 24 hours

Thawed breast milk should be used within 24 hours from the time it is fully thawed in the refrigerator.

Which instruction is most important when teaching a mother to clean breast pump parts after each use?

Answer: Wash all parts that contact milk with hot soapy water or run them through the dishwasher, then air dry

The CDC recommends washing pump parts with hot soapy water (or dishwasher) and air drying on a clean towel after each use.

A mother using a personal electric breast pump reports decreased output after 3 months of use. The CLC's first recommendation should be to:

Answer: Check and replace the pump membranes and valves, as these wear out with regular use

Membranes and valves are the most common source of decreased pump efficiency and should be the first thing inspected and replaced.