International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Practice Exam

Which condition of jaundice is most commonly associated with breastfeeding?

1. Breast milk jaundice

2. Physiological jaundice

3. Breastfeeding jaundice

4. Hemolytic jaundice

The correct answer is: Breastfeeding jaundice

The condition most commonly associated with breastfeeding is referred to as breastfeeding jaundice. This form of jaundice arises when an infant does not receive adequate milk intake in the first few days after birth, which is often due to challenges with breastfeeding or ineffective latch. This insufficient intake leads to dehydration and contributes to the accumulation of bilirubin in the bloodstream, resulting in jaundice. Breastfeeding jaundice typically presents within the first week of life and is characterized by a gradual rise in bilirubin levels. It can usually be resolved by ensuring the baby is effectively breastfeeding, leading to improved hydration and nutrient intake, which in turn assists in the processing of bilirubin. While breast milk jaundice also occurs in breastfed infants, it is typically observed after the first week of life and is attributed to factors within the breast milk itself, resulting in elevated bilirubin levels. Physiological jaundice is a normal occurrence due to the immature liver function of newborns, while hemolytic jaundice is often due to blood group incompatibilities or other pathological conditions. Thus, breastfeeding jaundice is directly linked to early breastfeeding practices and the infant's intake in the early days, making it the most relevant choice in this context.