Transition to Parenthood, Breastfeeding & Employment

Question 1

List the four stages of becoming a mother

Answer 1

1. Commitment and preparation (pregnancy)
2. Acquaintance, practice and physical restoration (first 2 weeks)
3. Approaching normalization (2 weeks to 4 months)
4. Integration of maternal identity (4 months to 1 year)

Question 2

List the 4 stages of parental role acquisition

Answer 2

1. Anticipatory (pregnancy)
2. Formal (after birth, parents want to “master” childcare skills but lack self-confidence and become overwhelmed)
3. Informal (in peer settings)
4. Personal (parents modify practices and develop unique parenting style)

Question 3

Three general patterns of parent-infant attachment

Answer 3

1. Avoidant
2. Ambivilent
3. Secure

Question 4

3 prerequisites of lactational amenorrhea as birth control method

Answer 4

1. Menses have not yet returned
2. Baby is breastfed around the clock and receives no other food or pacifiers (no more than 6 hours between feedings)
3. Baby is younger than 6 months

Question 5

Which type of oral contraception is recommended for lactating parents?

Answer 5

progestin-only contraceptives

Question 6

Which age group of parents are particularly at risk for low breastfeeding rates?

Answer 6

Adolescents

Question 7

Which age group of parents are higher risk for early weaning prior to 4 months?

Answer 7

Older adults

Question 8

Is substance use and breastfeeding always incompatible?

Answer 8

Not necessarily, but a prenatal plan and extensive education and support will be required.

Question 9

What are some issues to be aware of that may make transition to parenthood even more challenging for some at-risk populations?

Answer 9

Intimate partner violence, Incarceration, substance use/abuse, Adolescence, PTSD, childhood abuse`

Question 10

What are some issues to be aware of that may make transition to parenthood even more challenging for some at-risk populations?

Answer 10

Intimate partner violence, Incarceration, substance use/abuse, Adolescence, PTSD, childhood abuse

Question 11

When is lactation counselling for return to work planning neccessary?

Answer 11

Prenatally, postpartum and during return to work transition

Question 12

How can duration of maternity leave impact breastfeeding?

Answer 12

• plan for return to work less than 6 weeks PP negatively impacts breastfeeding INITIATION
• Mat leave less than 13 weeks negatively impacts breastfeeding duration
• paid maternity leave has a positive impact on breastfeeding rates

Question 13

List some occupational hazards that may impact the pregnant or lactating individual

Answer 13

Environmental contaminants, toxic elements (radiation/chemical), physically demanding work, shifts

Question 14

How can lactation consultants be well equipped to provide advocacy to lactating people returning to work?

Answer 14

Be knowledgeable of maternity protection laws, policies or local businesses and resources that can be shared