What is Breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding is a natural and essential way for mothers to nourish their babies, providing them with the best possible start in life. It provides a unique combination of nutrients and antibodies that support the healthy development and growth of the baby.
Mother’s milk is not only easily digestible but also helps protect babies from various infections and diseases. Additionally, breastfeeding creates a strong bond between mother and child, promoting emotional and psychological well-being. It is recommended by health professionals around the world as the best method of infant feeding, promoting short- and long-term health benefits for both mother and baby.
Breastfeeding MCQs & Answers
- 2 months
- 6 months
- 1 year
- 3 years
Ans. B
Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months of a baby’s life.
- Estrogen
- Oxytocin
- Prolactin
- Progesterone
Ans. C
Prolactin is the hormone responsible for milk production in lactating women.
- Nibbling
- Chomping
- Latching
- Slurping
Ans. C
A correct latch is essential for effective breastfeeding and is referred to as “latching.”
- Increased risk of breast cancer
- Reduced postpartum weight loss
- Decreased bonding with the baby
- Increased risk of postpartum depression
Ans. B
Breastfeeding can help mothers lose postpartum weight more effectively.
- Caffeine and alcohol
- Iron-rich foods
- Foods high in sugar and processed fats
- Spicy foods
Ans. B
Iron-rich foods can help maintain an adequate milk supply for breastfeeding.
- 2 months
- 6 months
- 1 year
- 3 years
Ans. B
Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months of a baby’s life.
- Estrogen
- Oxytocin
- Prolactin
- Progesterone
Ans. C
Prolactin is the hormone responsible for milk production in lactating women.
- The first solid food introduced to a baby’s diet
- A type of baby formula
- The initial, nutrient-rich breast milk produced after childbirth
- An herbal supplement for breastfeeding mothers
Ans. C
Colostrum is the initial breast milk produced after childbirth, rich in nutrients and antibodies.
- Once a day
- Every 4-6 hours
- On-demand, approximately 8-12 times a day
- Twice a day
Ans. C
Newborns should be breastfed on-demand, which can be about 8-12 times a day.
- Too much milk production
- Unlimited supply of milk
- Engorgement and sore nipples
- No milk production at all
Ans. C
Engorgement and sore nipples are common breastfeeding challenges that mothers may face.
- At birth
- Within the first week
- Around 2-4 months of age
- After the first year
Ans. C
Solid foods are typically introduced around 2-4 months of age, while breastfeeding continues.
- Bottle-feeding
- Nursing
- Formula-feeding
- Pumping
Ans. A
Using a bottle to feed expressed breast milk is referred to as bottle-feeding.
- Standing up
- Lying on your back
- Cradle hold or football hold
- Holding the baby’s feet
Ans. C
The cradle hold or football hold are recommended positions for breastfeeding to ensure a good latch.
- Increased risk of infections
- Reduced risk of allergies and illnesses
- Slower growth and development
- Higher risk of colic
Ans. B
Breastfeeding reduces the baby’s risk of allergies and illnesses.
- Water
- Formula milk
- Expressed breast milk
- Breast milk
Ans. D
Breast milk is the primary source of hydration for a breastfed baby; additional water is not needed in the first six months.
- Decreasing the frequency of breastfeeding sessions
- Using a pacifier to limit breastfeeding time
- Staying well-hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and breastfeeding on demand
- Wearing tight clothing to compress the breasts
Ans. C
To increase milk supply, it’s important for a mother to stay well-hydrated, eat a balanced diet, and breastfeed on demand.
- At birth
- After the first month
- Around 6 months of age or when the baby shows signs of readiness
- After the first year
Ans. C
Weaning from breastfeeding is generally recommended around 6 months of age or when the baby shows signs of readiness for solid foods.
- Protein and carbohydrates
- Iron and calcium
- Fat and vitamins
- Water and electrolytes
Ans. A
Breast milk provides essential nutrition to the baby, including protein and carbohydrates.
- Shared breastfeeding
- Wet nursing
- Cross-feeding
- Breast milk donation
Ans. B
The practice of feeding a baby with breast milk from another mother is known as wet nursing.
- Mouth slightly open
- Mouth wide open with lips flanged out
- Mouth closed to prevent air intake
- Mouth on the side of the breast
Ans. B
To ensure a proper latch during breastfeeding, the baby’s mouth should be wide open with the lips flanged out.
- Foremilk
- Transitional milk
- Hindmilk
- Mature milk
Ans. C
The milk that comes in after colostrum, which is more mature and abundant, is known as hindmilk.
- Simultaneous nursing
- Parallel feeding
- Tandem nursing
- Double breastfeeding
Ans. C
The medical term for a mother’s ability to breastfeed twins at the same time is tandem nursing.
- Non-nutritive suckling
- Pacifier feeding
- Comfort nursing
- Breastfeeding pacification
Ans. A
Allowing a baby to suck on the breast for comfort rather than feeding is called non-nutritive suckling.
- Water
- Formula milk
- Expressed breast milk
- Breast milk
Ans. D
Breast milk is the primary source of hydration for a breastfed baby; additional water is not needed in the first six months.
- Decreasing the frequency of breastfeeding sessions
- Using a pacifier to limit breastfeeding time
- Staying well-hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and breastfeeding on demand
- Wearing tight clothing to compress the breasts
Ans. C
To increase milk supply, it’s important for a mother to stay well-hydrated, eat a balanced diet, and breastfeed on demand.
- At birth
- After the first month
- Around 6 months of age or when the baby shows signs of readiness
- After the first year
Ans. C
Weaning from breastfeeding is generally recommended around 6 months of age or when the baby shows signs of readiness for solid foods.
- Protein and carbohydrates
- Iron and calcium
- Fat and vitamins
- Water and electrolytes
Ans. A
Breast milk provides essential nutrition to the baby, including protein and carbohydrates.
- Shared breastfeeding
- Wet nursing
- Cross-feeding
- Breast milk donation
Ans. B
The practice of feeding a baby with breast milk from another mother is known as wet nursing.
- Mouth slightly open
- Mouth wide open with lips flanged out
- Mouth closed to prevent air intake
- Mouth on the side of the breast
Ans. B
To ensure a proper latch during breastfeeding, the baby’s mouth should be wide open with the lips flanged out.
- Foremilk
- Transitional milk
- Hindmilk
- Mature milk
Ans. C
The milk that comes in after colostrum, which is more mature and abundant, is known as hindmilk.
- Simultaneous nursing
- Parallel feeding
- Tandem nursing
- Double breastfeeding
Ans. C
The medical term for a mother’s ability to breastfeed twins at the same time is tandem nursing.
- Non-nutritive suckling
- Pacifier feeding
- Comfort nursing
- Breastfeeding pacification
Ans. A
Allowing a baby to suck on the breast for comfort rather than feeding is called non-nutritive suckling.
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin C
Ans. C
Vitamin D is often recommended as a supplement for exclusively breastfed infants to ensure they get enough of this nutrient.
- Decreased risk of certain types of cancer
- Increased risk of osteoporosis
- Decreased calorie expenditure
- Increased risk of postpartum depression
Ans. A
One of the primary benefits of breastfeeding for the mother is a decreased risk of certain types of cancer, such as breast and ovarian cancer.
- Bottle-feeding
- Milk extraction
- Pumping
- Hand nursing
Ans. C
The process of expressing breast milk by hand or with a pump is known as pumping.
- Cradle hold
- Football hold
- Side-lying position
- Laid-back position
Ans. B
The football hold is often recommended for mothers recovering from a cesarean section as it avoids placing pressure on the incision site.
- Proper latch
- Incorrect positioning
- Frequent feeding
- Using a pacifier
Ans. B
Incorrect positioning of the baby can cause nipple pain during breastfeeding.
- Stop breastfeeding immediately
- Apply heat and massage the area
- Limit fluid intake
- Use a tight bra for support
Ans. B
If a mother develops a plugged milk duct, applying heat and massaging the area can help clear the blockage.
- Consistent weight loss
- Dark yellow urine
- Frequent wet diapers
- Infrequent bowel movements
Ans. C
Frequent wet diapers are a sign that a baby is getting enough breast milk.
- Engorgement
- Mastitis
- Thrush
- Blocked duct
Ans. B
Mastitis is characterized by inflammation of breast tissue, often accompanied by infection.
- Limit feeding sessions to 5 minutes
- Feed the baby on a strict schedule
- Breastfeed frequently and on demand
- Use formula to supplement
Ans. C
Breastfeeding frequently and on demand can help prevent engorgement.
- Rooting
- Self-attachment
- Grasping
- Suckling
Ans. B
Self-attachment is the term for a baby’s ability to find the breast and latch on without help.
- Estrogen
- Progesterone
- Prolactin
- Oxytocin
Ans. C
Prolactin is the hormone primarily responsible for milk production in breastfeeding mothers.
- Baby’s lips are pursed
- Baby’s chin touches the breast
- Mother feels pain during feeding
- Baby’s cheeks are sucked in
Ans. B
A good latch is often indicated by the baby’s chin touching the breast and no pain for the mother.
- Chocolate
- Coffee
- Oatmeal
- Red meat
Ans. C
Oatmeal is often recommended to help increase breast milk supply.
- 3 months
- 6 months
- 9 months
- 12 months
Ans. B
The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life.
- Frequent breastfeeding
- Breastfeeding on demand
- Infrequent breastfeeding
- Hydration
Ans. C
Infrequent breastfeeding can lead to low milk supply in breastfeeding mothers.
- Lactose
- Protein
- Antibodies
- Fat
Ans. C
Antibodies in breast milk are most beneficial for a newborn’s immune system.
- Cradle hold
- Football hold
- Cross-cradle hold
- Side-lying position
Ans. B
The football hold is often recommended for mothers with large breasts as it offers better control and positioning.
- Stop breastfeeding
- Apply cold compresses
- Increase breastfeeding frequency
- Avoid pumping
Ans. C
Increasing breastfeeding frequency can help relieve engorgement.
- Foremilk
- Hindmilk
- Colostrum
- Transitional milk
Ans. B
Hindmilk, which is produced at the end of a breastfeeding session, is richer in fat.
- Frequent breastfeeding
- Teething
- Proper latch
- Comfort nursing
Ans. B
Teething can be a common reason for a baby to refuse the breast.
- Cradle hold
- Football hold
- Side-lying position
- Upright position
Ans. D
The upright position can help a baby with reflux as it minimizes the chances of milk coming back up.
- Iron
- Calcium
- DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
- Vitamin K
Ans. C
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is crucial for brain development in infants.
- 24 hours
- 48 hours
- 72 hours
- 96 hours
Ans. C
Expressed breast milk can be stored in a refrigerator at 4°C (39°F) for up to 72 hours.
- Continue breastfeeding and apply lanolin ointment
- Stop breastfeeding immediately
- Switch to formula
- Use a nipple shield continuously
Ans. A
Continuing breastfeeding and applying lanolin ointment can help heal a cracked nipple.
- Feeding the baby on a strict schedule
- Supplementing with formula
- Frequent and on-demand breastfeeding
- Limiting breastfeeding sessions to 5 minutes
Ans. C
Frequent and on-demand breastfeeding can help establish a good milk supply in the first few weeks.
- Overactive letdown
- Insufficient milk supply
- Poor latch and difficulty feeding
- Frequent diaper changes
Ans. C
A tongue tie can lead to a poor latch and difficulty feeding, making breastfeeding challenging.
- Mature milk
- Colostrum
- Transitional milk
- Foremilk
Ans. B
Colostrum is the breast milk produced in the first few days after birth, rich in antibodies and nutrients.
- Faster weight gain
- Improved digestion and immunity
- Better sleep patterns
- More frequent bowel movements
Ans. B
Breastfeeding provides improved digestion and immunity, which are crucial benefits for a premature baby.
- Crying after feedings
- Frequent wet and dirty diapers
- Short feedings of less than 5 minutes
- Frequent hiccups
Ans. B
Frequent wet and dirty diapers are a sign that a breastfeeding baby is getting enough milk.
- Regulates the baby’s temperature
- Increases the risk of infection
- Reduces mother’s milk supply
- Delays baby’s first feeding
Ans. A
Skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth helps regulate the baby’s temperature and promotes bonding.
- Higher risk of allergies
- Lower risk of infections
- Slower brain development
- Higher risk of obesity
Ans. B
Breastfeeding lowers the risk of infections in babies due to the antibodies present in breast milk.
- Proteins
- Fatty acids
- Oligosaccharides
- Vitamins
Ans. C
Oligosaccharides in breast milk help to promote healthy gut bacteria in infants.
- In glass bottles
- In plastic bags designed for breast milk storage
- In regular plastic containers
- In metal containers
Ans. B
Breast milk should be stored in plastic bags designed specifically for breast milk storage when kept in a freezer.
- Baby’s lips are flanged outward
- Mother hears clicking noises
- Baby’s chin touches the breast
- Mother feels no pain
Ans. B
Hearing clicking noises while breastfeeding can be a sign of a poor latch.
- Correct positioning
- Tongue-tie
- Sufficient milk supply
- Frequent feedings
Ans. B
A tongue-tie can cause a baby to have a shallow latch, making breastfeeding difficult.
- White
- Clear
- Yellow
- Green
Ans. C
Colostrum is typically yellow in color and is rich in nutrients and antibodies.
- Increased risk of diabetes
- Lower risk of postpartum depression
- Decreased bonding with baby
- Higher risk of osteoporosis
Ans. B
Breastfeeding can lower the risk of postpartum depression in mothers, promoting mental health.
- Limiting fluid intake
- Infrequent breastfeeding
- Breastfeeding on demand
- Using pacifiers frequently
Ans. C
Breastfeeding on demand can help increase a mother’s breast milk supply by stimulating milk production.
- Proteins
- Carbohydrates
- Water
- Fats
Ans. C
Water is the primary component of breast milk, making up about 87% of its composition.
- Estrogen
- Progesterone
- Oxytocin
- Prolactin
Ans. C
Oxytocin is released during breastfeeding and helps with milk ejection, also known as the let-down reflex.
- Increased risk of breast cancer
- Faster postpartum weight loss
- Higher risk of osteoporosis
- Increased blood pressure
Ans. B
Breastfeeding can help mothers achieve faster postpartum weight loss.
- Once every 6 hours
- Every 2-3 hours
- Twice a day
- Once a day
Ans. B
Newborns typically need to be breastfed every 2-3 hours in the first month.
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin K
Ans. C
Vitamin D is often recommended as a supplement for breastfed babies.
- Mastitis
- Engorgement
- Thrush
- Let-down reflex
Ans. A
Mastitis is the term for breast pain due to blocked milk ducts and can involve inflammation and infection.
- 5-10 minutes
- 10-20 minutes
- 20-45 minutes
- 45-60 minutes
Ans. C
A breastfeeding session for a newborn typically lasts 20-45 minutes.
- High water intake
- Stress
- Frequent breastfeeding
- Balanced diet
Ans. B
Stress can negatively affect breast milk production by interfering with hormone levels.
- A device to aid breastfeeding
- A food or drug that increases milk supply
- A type of breast infection
- A breastfeeding position
Ans. B
A galactagogue is a food or drug that increases milk supply in breastfeeding mothers.
- Skipping night feedings
- Pumping after feedings
- Using pacifiers regularly
- Limiting fluid intake
Ans. B
Pumping after feedings can help ensure an adequate milk supply by stimulating further milk production.
- Proper positioning
- Full term birth
- Flat or inverted nipples
- Regular breastfeeding
Ans. C
Flat or inverted nipples can cause a baby to have difficulty latching on to the breast.
- Incorrect latch
- Using nipple shields unnecessarily
- Applying lanolin after feedings
- Skipping feedings
Ans. C
Applying lanolin after feedings can help prevent nipple soreness by keeping the skin moisturized and protected.
- IgG
- IgA
- IgM
- IgE
Ans. B
IgA is a key antibody found in breast milk that helps protect infants from infections.
- Transitional milk
- Foremilk
- Hindmilk
- Colostrum
Ans. D
Colostrum is the term used for the first milk produced during the initial days postpartum, rich in antibodies and nutrients.
- Oxytocin
- Progesterone
- Prolactin
- Estrogen
Ans. C
Prolactin is the hormone primarily responsible for milk production in breastfeeding mothers.
- Skipping feedings
- Applying ice packs
- Using a breast pump
- Limiting fluid intake
Ans. C
Using a breast pump can help relieve engorgement by expressing excess milk.
- Skipping night feedings
- Ensuring proper latch
- Using tight bras
- Reducing fluid intake
Ans. B
Ensuring proper latch and complete emptying of the breasts can help prevent breast infections (mastitis).
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
- Calcium
Ans. C
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) in breast milk is important for the development of the infant’s nervous system.
- 1 month
- 3 months
- 6 months
- 12 months
Ans. D
Breast milk can be stored in a deep freezer (-18°C or 0°F) for up to 12 months.
- To regulate the mother’s sleep
- To establish a strict feeding schedule
- To ensure the baby receives enough milk
- To reduce the mother’s milk supply
Ans. C
Breastfeeding on demand ensures that the baby receives enough milk according to their hunger cues.
- Feeding the baby every 4-6 hours
- Ensuring the baby has a good latch
- Limiting feeding sessions to 10 minutes
- Using formula supplements regularly
Ans. B
Ensuring the baby has a good latch is crucial for effective breastfeeding and milk transfer.
- It stimulates milk production
- It helps with the let-down reflex
- It increases milk fat content
- It regulates the mother’s appetite
Ans. B
Oxytocin helps with the let-down reflex, allowing milk to flow from the breast to the baby.
- Glucose
- Fructose
- Lactose
- Sucrose
Ans. C
Lactose is the main carbohydrate found in breast milk, providing energy for infants.
- Mostly saturated fats
- Equal parts saturated and unsaturated fats
- Mostly unsaturated fats
- All trans fats
Ans. C
Breast milk fat is mostly composed of unsaturated fats, which are beneficial for infant health.
- Introducing bottles early
- Avoiding pacifiers
- Using formula supplements
- Switching between breast and bottle frequently
Ans. B
Avoiding pacifiers can help reduce the risk of nipple confusion in breastfed babies.
- Iron
- Zinc
- Calcium
- Magnesium
Ans. C
Calcium in breast milk is important for an infant’s bone development and overall growth.
- Feeding the baby in groups
- Feeding the baby every hour
- Feeding the baby more frequently than usual for a few hours
- Feeding the baby only during nighttime
Ans. C
Cluster feeding is when the baby feeds more frequently than usual for a few hours, often during growth spurts.
- Few wet diapers
- Frequent crying
- Steady weight gain
- Difficulty sleeping
Ans. C
Steady weight gain is a sign that a baby is getting enough breast milk.
- Milk that comes at the beginning of a feeding
- Milk that comes at the end of a feeding
- Milk stored in the refrigerator
- Milk that is pumped
Ans. A
Foremilk is the milk that comes at the beginning of a feeding, which is typically lower in fat.
- Carbohydrates
- Fats
- Proteins
- Water
Ans. B
Fats in breast milk are crucial for brain development and overall growth in infants.
- Cradle hold
- Football hold
- Side-lying position
- Upside-down hold
Ans. D
The upside-down hold is not a common breastfeeding position.
- A baby’s reflex to suck
- A mother’s reflex to release milk
- A reflex to produce more milk
- A reflex to stop milk production
Ans. B
The let-down reflex is a mother’s reflex to release milk in response to the baby’s sucking.