Common Clinical Challenges Flashcards
6 cards from real IBCLC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Common Clinical Challenges flashcards as text
A mother reports that her 3-week-old infant has been cluster feeding every evening for several hours. What is the most appropriate guidance?
Answer: Reassure the mother that cluster feeding is normal and does not indicate low supply
Cluster feeding is a normal newborn behavior, especially in the evening hours, and does not indicate insufficient milk supply.
A mother with flat nipples is having difficulty achieving a deep latch. Which intervention should the lactation consultant try first?
Answer: Teach reverse pressure softening before latching
Reverse pressure softening helps move edema away from the areola and can help flat nipples become more protractile for latching.
An infant born at 35 weeks gestation is having difficulty coordinating suck-swallow-breathe during breastfeeding. What is the most appropriate first step?
Answer: Use paced feeding at the breast with frequent breaks
Paced feeding at the breast allows the late preterm infant to coordinate suck-swallow-breathe at their own pace while maintaining the breastfeeding relationship.
A mother presents with a white spot on her nipple that causes sharp pain during feeding. The area is firm to palpation. What is this most likely?
Answer: A milk bleb (blister) blocking a nipple pore
A milk bleb appears as a white or yellow spot on the nipple, is often painful during feeding, and results from a thin layer of skin growing over a milk duct opening.
A mother with type 1 diabetes reports that her milk production seems delayed. Her infant is 4 days old. What is the most likely explanation?
Answer: Insulin-dependent diabetes can delay lactogenesis II onset
Insulin plays a role in lactogenesis II, and mothers with type 1 diabetes may experience a delay of 24-48 hours in the onset of copious milk production.
A 2-month-old exclusively breastfed infant has not had a bowel movement in 7 days. The infant is gaining weight well, has adequate wet diapers, and appears content. What should the IBCLC advise?
Answer: This may be normal for an exclusively breastfed infant of this age
After 6 weeks of age, exclusively breastfed infants may go several days to even a week or more between bowel movements, as breast milk is efficiently absorbed with minimal waste.