Lactation Education Resources - Maternal Health Issues and Breastfeeding Considerations Exam
Questions and Answers Already Passed
Baby blues - Answers Overwhelmed, fatigued, lack of confidence in mothering skills 80% of new
mothers, resolves quickly with social support Some recommend omega-3
Postpartum Depression - Answers Deeper emotional distress 10-20% of new mothers Sadness, loss of
pleasure, crying Changes in sleep, inability to concentration, indecisive Lack of attachment to baby
Mood swings
Postpartum Psychosis - Answers 1-2% of new mothers Dramatic, irrational ideas, thoughts of suicide,
hallucinations, violence, threats to harm self or baby Psychiatric counseling, medications, maybe
hospitalization
Medications - Answers Prozac ok, but Zoloft has less side effects
Diabetes - Answers Type 1: Immune-mediated and idiopathic No insulin production. Needs careful
monitoring
Type 2: Resistant to action of insulin May be metabolic syndrome Gestational: onset during pregnancy
Similar to Type 2, requires medication All OK to breastfeed
Heart Disease - Answers Pregnancy increases cardiac output by 30-50% Check that meds and diuretics
are OK for breastfeeding
Chronic Hypertension - Answers Risk for placenta abruptio, stroke, liver failure, renal failure,
intrauterine growth restriction Check that meds are safe for breastfeeding
Multiple Sclerosis - Answers Deterioration of central nervous system, progressive Check that meds are
safe for breastfeeding Use assistive devices to support baby as needed
Seizure Disorders - Answers Disorganized firing of brain cells Check that meds are safe for breastfeeding
Use assistive devices to support baby as needed during seizures
Hyperthyroidism (grave's disease) - Answers Increase in T3 and T4 increases metabolic rate Weight loss,
rapid pulse, nervousness, bulging eyes Check that meds are safe for breastfeeding If radioactive iodine is
needed, pump and dump
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome - Answers Polycystic ovaries, may cause insufficient glandular tissue
Excessive body fat, possible mild male chrematistics Check that medications are safe for breastfeeding
Hypothyroidism - Answers May have trouble achieving full milk supply, monitor weight gain Synthroid is
safe for breastfeeding
Influenza - Answers Vaccination recommended, breastfeeding is safe.
Questions and Answers Already Passed
Baby blues - Answers Overwhelmed, fatigued, lack of confidence in mothering skills 80% of new
mothers, resolves quickly with social support Some recommend omega-3
Postpartum Depression - Answers Deeper emotional distress 10-20% of new mothers Sadness, loss of
pleasure, crying Changes in sleep, inability to concentration, indecisive Lack of attachment to baby
Mood swings
Postpartum Psychosis - Answers 1-2% of new mothers Dramatic, irrational ideas, thoughts of suicide,
hallucinations, violence, threats to harm self or baby Psychiatric counseling, medications, maybe
hospitalization
Medications - Answers Prozac ok, but Zoloft has less side effects
Diabetes - Answers Type 1: Immune-mediated and idiopathic No insulin production. Needs careful
monitoring
Type 2: Resistant to action of insulin May be metabolic syndrome Gestational: onset during pregnancy
Similar to Type 2, requires medication All OK to breastfeed
Heart Disease - Answers Pregnancy increases cardiac output by 30-50% Check that meds and diuretics
are OK for breastfeeding
Chronic Hypertension - Answers Risk for placenta abruptio, stroke, liver failure, renal failure,
intrauterine growth restriction Check that meds are safe for breastfeeding
Multiple Sclerosis - Answers Deterioration of central nervous system, progressive Check that meds are
safe for breastfeeding Use assistive devices to support baby as needed
Seizure Disorders - Answers Disorganized firing of brain cells Check that meds are safe for breastfeeding
Use assistive devices to support baby as needed during seizures
Hyperthyroidism (grave's disease) - Answers Increase in T3 and T4 increases metabolic rate Weight loss,
rapid pulse, nervousness, bulging eyes Check that meds are safe for breastfeeding If radioactive iodine is
needed, pump and dump
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome - Answers Polycystic ovaries, may cause insufficient glandular tissue
Excessive body fat, possible mild male chrematistics Check that medications are safe for breastfeeding
Hypothyroidism - Answers May have trouble achieving full milk supply, monitor weight gain Synthroid is
safe for breastfeeding
Influenza - Answers Vaccination recommended, breastfeeding is safe.
