Communication and Counseling 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 Communication and Counseling flashcards as text
During a consultation, a mother becomes tearful and says she feels like a failure because breastfeeding is not going as planned. What is the most therapeutic initial response?
Answer: Validate her feelings by saying 'It sounds like this has been really difficult for you'
Validating the mother's emotional experience before problem-solving demonstrates empathic listening and builds therapeutic rapport.
A father expresses concern that he cannot participate in infant feeding because the mother is exclusively breastfeeding. What is the best counseling approach?
Answer: Educate the father about other ways to bond with the infant and support breastfeeding
Educating the partner about alternative bonding activities and their supportive role empowers involvement without undermining breastfeeding.
A mother from a cultural background where colostrum is considered harmful asks whether she should discard it. How should the IBCLC respond?
Answer: Explore her cultural beliefs respectfully while providing evidence-based information about colostrum's benefits
Cultural humility requires respectfully exploring the mother's beliefs while sharing evidence-based information, allowing her to make an informed decision.
When using motivational interviewing techniques with an ambivalent mother about continuing breastfeeding, which approach is most effective?
Answer: Exploring the discrepancy between the mother's goals and current behavior
Motivational interviewing uses the technique of exploring discrepancy to help clients recognize the gap between their stated values and current actions.
An IBCLC notices that a mother seems to agree with all suggestions during a consultation but does not implement any changes at follow-up. What communication barrier is most likely present?
Answer: The mother is engaging in passive compliance due to a perceived power imbalance
Passive compliance occurs when a client agrees outwardly but does not internalize recommendations, often due to feeling that the healthcare provider holds authority over their decisions.
During a group breastfeeding support session, one mother dominates the conversation and gives inaccurate advice to others. What is the most professional way to handle this?
Answer: Thank her for sharing, gently redirect with accurate information, and invite others to share their experiences
Acknowledging the contribution while redirecting with accurate information maintains group dynamics and ensures all participants receive correct guidance.