Certified Breastfeeding Counselor (CBC) Practice

What is a common issue when a breastfeeding mother experiences a lump in her breast, tenderness, and no fever?

1. A. Milk oversupply

2. B. Mastitis

3. C. Plugged duct

4. D. Engorgement

The correct answer is: C. Plugged duct

A common issue when a breastfeeding mother experiences a lump in her breast, tenderness, and no fever is a plugged duct. This occurs when a milk duct becomes blocked, often due to inadequate breast emptying or pressure on the breast. This can cause discomfort and sometimes pain, but it is generally not accompanied by a fever. The other options, milk oversupply, mastitis, and engorgement, may also cause similar symptoms, but they often involve a fever as well. Milk oversupply can lead to plugged ducts, but it is not the most common cause. Mastitis is a more serious infection that often requires antibiotics and is usually accompanied by a fever. Engorgement, which is the overfilling of the breasts with milk, may also cause discomfort and hardness, but it is typically relieved by breastfeeding or expressing milk. Overall, plugged duct is the most likely issue in this scenario, but it is important for the mother to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.