CLC Cultural Competence & Diversity in Lactation Support 2

Question 1

What is implicit bias in the context of lactation care?

Accepted Answer

Unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that affect clinical decisions and interactions without the provider's awareness

Answer

Openly stated prejudices about certain cultural groups

Answer

A formal policy of differential treatment based on race or ethnicity

Answer

A client's mistrust of healthcare providers based on past negative experiences

Question 2

A client from a culture where breastfeeding in public is considered shameful is struggling with returning to work. Which intervention is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Explore her comfort level and discuss private pumping spaces and milk storage as culturally acceptable options

Answer

Advise her to stop breastfeeding to reduce her social anxiety

Answer

Encourage her to challenge her cultural norms for the benefit of the infant

Answer

Refer her to a therapist before continuing lactation support

Question 3

What is 'structural racism' in the context of US breastfeeding disparities?

Accepted Answer

Policies and systems within institutions that create and perpetuate racial inequities in access to breastfeeding support

Answer

Individual racist attitudes held by healthcare providers

Answer

Cultural practices within minority communities that discourage breastfeeding

Answer

Biological differences in milk production between racial groups

Question 4

In some African American communities, formula feeding has historically been associated with economic success and modernity. How should a CLC approach this cultural context?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge this historical and social context while providing supportive, non-judgmental breastfeeding education

Answer

Dismiss this historical context and focus only on breastfeeding benefits

Answer

Agree that formula is equally beneficial to avoid cultural offense

Answer

Focus on breastfeeding exclusively and avoid discussing formula

Question 5

A mother asks about using traditional herbal galactogogues from her culture (e.g., fenugreek, moringa). What is the most appropriate CLC response?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge her tradition, review what is known about safety and efficacy, and help her make an informed decision

Answer

Tell her all herbal remedies are unsafe and must be avoided

Answer

Encourage unlimited use of traditional herbs as they are natural and safe

Answer

Report her herbal use to the pediatrician as a child safety concern

Question 6

Which factor best explains why African American women disproportionately give birth in hospitals with lower rates of Baby-Friendly Hospital designation?

Accepted Answer

Residential segregation and unequal distribution of hospital resources contribute to lower Baby-Friendly designation in facilities serving Black communities

Answer

African American mothers choose hospitals known for formula use

Answer

Baby-Friendly hospitals actively exclude African American families

Answer

African American mothers have lower rates of prenatal care, reducing Baby-Friendly enrollment

Question 7

When a client's religious beliefs (e.g., Islamic guidelines on wet nursing/donor milk) affect her decision about pasteurized donor human milk, the CLC should:

Accepted Answer

Explore her specific beliefs, provide factual information about pasteurization, and respect her final decision

Answer

Insist donor milk is safe and override her religious concerns

Answer

Dismiss the concern as irrelevant to clinical care

Answer

Automatically recommend formula to avoid religious conflict