Study Questions and Answers
AAP - answerAmerican Academy of Pediatrics
ABM - answerAcademy of Breastfeeding Medicine
AGA - answerAppropriate for gestational age.
Alveoli - answerSmall glands in the breast that produce breast milk.
Amenorrhea - answerThe absence of menstruation.
Aysemmetric latch - answerOptimal attachment to the breast, where the babies lips are
not centered in relationship to the areola, but rather vertically off centered, with the
babies chin and lower lip closer to the edge of the areola and the babies upper lip.
Atopy - answerAnd allergy for which there is a genetic predisposition, such as asthma,
eczema, or rhinitis.
(BFHI) Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative - answerThe UNICEF baby friendly hospital
initiative, an international program recognizing hospitals and birth centers that
implement the 10 steps to successful breastfeeding.
Bilirubin - answerThe byproduct of the breakdown of the hemoglobin portion of red
blood cells.
Bilirubin Encephalopathy - answerDamage to the brain and central nervous system
related to hyperbilirubinemia (Jaundice); Also known as "Kernicterus."
Milk Bleb - answerA firm, small, white spot near the nipple pore opening containing
accumulated milk solids. Also referred to as a milk blister.
Block Feeding - answerA pattern of feeding: used to deal with an over-abundant milk
supply. In block feeding, the mother offers the baby only one breast for one, two, or
three feedings to generate mild local pressure to slow down milk production. Then she
offers the other breast for another block of time.
Blocked Duct - answerA condition in which milk from one part of the breast does not
flow well and forms a lump of solidified milk that blocks the milk duct.
,Brachial Plexus Injury - answerDecreased movement or sensation in the arm caused by
injury to the bundle of nerves passing through the shoulder area. This may be caused
during birth by pressure to the shoulder area.
Bradycardia - answerSlow heart rate, less than 100 bpm in an infant.
Breast Abscess - answerAn area in the breast that feels hot and painful and is full of
fluid. Typically resulting from unresolved mastitis.
Breast Compression - answerA hands-on method used during nursing or pumping to
increase the flow of milk. The mother gently sneezes, or compresses gently, her breast.
Typically used when milk flow stops or slows, to increase milk flow again. Also called
"alternate massage."
Breastmilk Jaundice - answerJaundice occurring in the breast fed infant after 10-14
days of life. The cause of breastmilk jaundice is unknown and the incident is less than
1%.
Brucellosis - answerBacterial infection from contact with animals carrying the Brucella
bacteria. Infection causes an undulating fever that spikes in waves.
Candida - answerA family of parasitic fungi occurring especially in the mouth, vagina,
and intestinal tract. They are usually benign but can become pathogenic and include the
caustive agent (candida albicans) of thrush.
Caput Succedaneum - answerSwelling of the soft tissues of a newborn baby's scalp that
develops as a baby travels through the birth canal.
CDC - answerCenters for Disease Control and Prevention
Cephalohematoma - answerA lump that rises on the head of a newborn with an hours of
birth due to bleeding beneath the bones of the skull.
Chorioamniotis - answerInflammation of the fetal membrane due to infection.
Cleft Lip and/or Palate - answerA congenital birth defect causing a division or opening in
the roof of the mouth and/or split in the lip.
Cyanosis - answerA bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes.
Colostrum - answerThe first milk, produced in the breast by the seventh month of
pregnancy. It is thick, sticky, and clear to yellowish in color; is high in protein and
vitamin A; causes a laxative effect, thus, helping the baby to pass meconium stools.
Immunoglobulins (mostly IgA) In colostrum provide an anti-infection protection to the
baby and their gut microbiome.
, Contraindication - answerA condition or factor that makes something in advisable.
Craniofacial - answerInvolving the head and skull.
Cooper's Ligaments - answerThe triangular-shaped ligaments underlying the breasts.
Cytomegalovirus - answerA virus of the herpes family that is relatively harmless and
adults but can cause severe systemic infection in infants, particularly those born
premature.
Dehydration Signs - answerSymptoms include, but are not limited to the following: Dry
or sticky mouth, low or no urine output, concentrated urine that appears dark yellow,
non-production of tears, sunken eyes, markedly sunken fontanelles in an infant,
lethargic or coma (severe).
Diabetes Mellitus - answerA group of diseases in which the body has difficulty
managing stable blood sugar.
Discordant Twins - answerTwin pairs with a marked difference in size at birth.
Discrepancy Breasts - answerA condition in which a woman's breast are markedly
different in size and/or shape. This is associated with potential milk supply problems.
Also called "asymmetric "breasts.
Down Syndrome - answerA congenital condition characterized by moderate to severe
mental retardation *[textbook definition]*. Also called trisomy 21.
Dyad - answerA group of two. In lactation terms, usually refers to a nursing mother and
baby.
Duarte Galactosemia - answerA variant of galactosemia with generally milder
complications.
EBF - answerExclusively breastfed.
ELBW (Acronym) - answerExtremely low birth weight. An infant with a birth weight less
than <1,000 grams (2.2 pounds).
Failure to Thrive (FTT) - answerA serious condition in which baby's growth is
inadequate and requires medical evaluation.
Engorgement - answerSwelling in the breast that blocks milk flow; caused by
inadequate or infrequent milk removal the breast(s). Breasts will be hot to the touch,
painful and will look tight and shiny. With severe engorgement, milk production may
stop. With inadequate drainage, clogs and/or mastitis can occur.