Karin writes: Let me give an example now from the IBCLE candidate information guide. Question 5: the definitive symptom of incorrect positioning of a baby at the breast is A nipple pain B irritated inflamed nipple epithelium C stabbing pain when the baby latches on D a compression stripe across the nipple E blanching of the whole nipple after feeding. Karin, I think the exam's trying to get at the point that one need not have a compression stripe, but mom can still be in pain from poor positioning - that compression stripe can be an indicator of poor positioning, but nipple pain in the absence of a compression stripe ( nipple elongated a lot, or compressed but not to an actual stripe) would still indicate a poor alignment. SO by their thinking it is the pain for the mom, whether or not her skin is misshapen down to a compression stripe, that would alert about incorrect positioning. Perhaps one could make a case for compression stripe also being noted when baby can't handle flow so they clamp down, or can't latch well due to tongue-tie, then the positioning would not be incorrect, but some other aspect of the situation. That said, I can figure out WHY they might go with D but I guarantee I would make a note on the critique sheet about that one, and might have gotten it wrong myself on the exam. A real problem, as Phyllis said, is "over-analysis." When actually sitting with a real mom and baby, the wording of this question means nothing, and we would be able to help this dyad just fine... ;0 Peace, Judy Judy LeVan Fram, PT, IBCLC, LLLL Brooklyn, NY, USA **************A bad credit score is 600 & below. Checking won't affect your score. See now! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1221323048x1201367271/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072&hmpgI D=62&bcd=JulyBadfooterNO62) *********************************************** Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html To reach list owners: [log in to unmask] Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask] COMMANDS: 1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail 2. To start it again: set lactnet mail 3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet 4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome