Breastfeeding: Videos & Practice Problems

Which of the following best defines lactation and correctly pairs the primary hormonal roles of prolactin and oxytocin?

Which sequence correctly describes the neurohormonal reflex by which infant suckling leads to milk production and milk ejection?

A newborn on day 2 of life receives the first feeding. Which milk phase and composition most likely describe what the infant receives at this time, and what is its principal functional significance?

A cohort study finds lower rates of gastrointestinal and respiratory infections among exclusively breastfed infants during the first 6 months compared to formula-fed infants. Which combination of mechanisms best explains these observed differences?

If a woman’s estimated energy requirement (maintenance) is 2,000 kcal/day, what should her target total daily energy intake be during the first six months of exclusive breastfeeding, and what is the recommended total daily fluid intake in liters?

Which of the following lists the standard recommended additional energy for mothers during the first and second six months of breastfeeding and the approximate recommended daily fluid intake?

Calculate the daily protein requirement for a breastfeeding mother who weighs 65 kg, using the recommendation of 1.1 g/kg body weight/day. Round to one decimal place.

A breastfeeding mother is trying to meet the carbohydrate recommendation of about 210 g/day without exceeding caloric needs. Which strategy most directly supports meeting the 210 g/day carbohydrate target while maintaining recommended protein intake and not substantially increasing total calories?

Which of the following analytic conclusions best summarizes how a breastfeeding mother should adjust dietary fat if she increases carbohydrate intake from pregnancy levels and maintains protein at 1.1 g/kg/day while keeping total calories within the recommended breastfeeding increase?

Why are iron requirements lower for breastfeeding mothers compared with pregnant women?

A new mother asks whether she can resume occasional alcohol consumption while breastfeeding. Which recommendation best reflects evidence-based counseling to minimize infant harm?

When counseling a postpartum patient with a strong family history of type 2 diabetes and ovarian cancer about infant feeding choices, which statement best communicates breastfeeding’s maternal benefits while respecting patient autonomy?

A clinician is designing a patient education handout that must concisely state hormonal actions involved in lactation. Which concise, accurate synthesis should be included to explain how both hormones interact during a typical feeding?

Which hypothalamic change facilitates increased prolactin secretion in response to suckling?

Which statement correctly contrasts foremilk and hindmilk during a single feeding session?

You are given data showing that breastfed infants have higher absorption of non-heme iron and zinc compared with formula-fed infants. Which analysis best explains how breast milk can produce higher micronutrient bioavailability despite sometimes lower absolute micronutrient concentrations?

Convert the recommended breastfeeding fluid intake of about 3.8 liters per day into an approximate number of 240 mL (US cup) servings. Which is the closest value?

What is the commonly recommended daily carbohydrate intake for breastfeeding mothers to support lactation?

An infant formula manufacturer claims their product now includes added immunoglobulins and live probiotics to mimic breast milk. As a nutrition analyst, which critical evaluation most accurately reflects limitations of this claim?

A mother notices her milk looks yellowish and more viscous on day 1–2 postpartum. Which milk type is this and what is a key benefit to the newborn?

A mother’s energy requirement before pregnancy was estimated at 2,500 kcal/day. Determine her new total daily energy needs during the first six months of exclusive breastfeeding and calculate the percentage increase over her pre-pregnancy requirement. Show your work.

Given a 70 kg breastfeeding mother, which daily meal-plan choice best meets the protein target (1.1 g/kg/day ≈ 77 g/day) and the carbohydrate target (~210 g/day) while keeping calories close to a 2,600 kcal/day goal for the second half of the first year?

A woman consumes 2,200 kcal/day pre-breastfeeding with 35% of calories from fat. During the second six months of breastfeeding her total needs rise by 400 kcal/day. If she aims to modestly reduce the percentage of calories from fat to 25% (still within typical recommendations) to accommodate higher carbohydrate intake, what is her new fat intake in grams per day? Show steps.

What is the commonly cited recommended iron intake for breastfeeding mothers (non-anemic) compared to pregnancy needs?

A breastfeeding mother uses a prescription opioid for chronic pain. Which analytic approach best guides the clinician’s recommendation about continuing breastfeeding?

A clinician must write a short evidence-based statement for an obstetric discharge summary summarizing maternal health benefits of breastfeeding. Which statement most accurately and responsibly captures these benefits for patient counseling?

Which neuroendocrine mechanism explains how suckling increases prolactin secretion from the anterior pituitary?

An infant presents with signs of mild dehydration. During feeding, which component of a feed would most rapidly restore hydration status and why?

Design a short policy recommendation for a low-income community clinic deciding whether to prioritize breast milk promotion programs or subsidized formula distribution, integrating nutritional, immunologic, and economic considerations. Which recommendation best balances evidence and practicality?