Certified Lactation Consultant Practice Exam

A mother with a common cold is typically not advised to refrain from breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is encouraged during mild illnesses like the common cold because the antibodies and immune factors present in the breast milk can help protect the infant from illness. The mother's body is producing antibodies in response to the cold virus, which can then be passed to the baby through breast milk, offering some immunity.

In contrast, untreated brucellosis, undergoing imaging with radiopharmaceuticals, and active herpes lesions on the breast are situations where breastfeeding may need to be avoided due to the potential risk of transmitting infections or harmful substances to the infant. For example, brucellosis is a serious bacterial infection that can be transmitted through contaminated milk; therefore, it poses a direct risk to the infant’s health. Radiopharmaceuticals used in imaging can contaminate breast milk, which could also pose risks for the breastfeeding baby. Similarly, active herpes lesions on the breast could lead to transmission of the virus to the infant during nursing.

Thus, while certain medical conditions and procedures necessitate avoiding breastfeeding, a common cold does not typically warrant such an action, making it the correct choice in this context.