IBCLC Exam Questions and Answers
% of breastmilk that is carbohydrates - ✔Approximately 7%
Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breast_milk.
% of breastmilk that is fat - ✔Approximately 4%
Hale and Hartman, 2007. Textbook of Human Lactation, page 50.
% of breastmilk that is protein - ✔Approximately .8 - 1 %
Mannel, Martens & Walker, 2008. Core Curriculum for Lactation Consultant Practice
(2nd ed.), page 272.
% of calories in breastmilk from carbohydrates - ✔Approximately 40%
Hale and Hartman, 2007. Textbook of Human Lactation, page 69.
% of calories in breastmilk from fat - ✔Approximately 50%
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 124.
% of calories in breastmilk from protein - ✔Approximately 10%
Mannel, Martens & Walker, 2008. Core Curriculum for Lactation Consultant Practice
(2nd ed.), page 272.
Acinus - ✔Any of the small sacs or alveoli that terminate the ducts and are lined with
secretory cells.
Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary. Available online: http://www.merriam-
webster.com/medical/acinus?show=0&t=1296699192
Acrocyanosis - ✔Bluish discoloration of the hands and feet in the newborn; peripheral
cyanosis. Should not persist beyond 24 hours after birth.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 863.
Active immunity - ✔Immunity conferred by the production of antibodies by one's own
immune system.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 868.
Active transport - ✔Passage of drug into breastmilk assisted by components in
breastmilk.
Hale & Hartman, 2007. Textbook of Human Lactation, page 470.
Acyclovir/Zovirax - ✔Antiviral used to treat herpes infections, L2.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 177.
Aerobic bacteria - ✔Bacteria requiring air for metabolic processes. The breast is
colonized with this type of bacteria.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 863.
,AGA - ✔Appropriate for Gestational Age. Having a birth weight between the 10th and
90th percentile on intrauterine growth charts.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 671.
Alcohol and breastfeeding - ✔Alcohol can decrease milk supply. Breastfeeding must be
interrupted for 1 hour per drink, or until mother is sober.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 171 &
188.
Aldomet/Methyldopa - ✔Antihypertensive, L2. Frequently used to treat hypertension
during pregnancy. No concerns reported via breastmilk.
Hale, 2010. Medications and Mother's Milk (14th ed.), page 667.
Allergen - ✔A substance that causes an allergic response, such as foods, drugs,
inhalants. Cow's milk is common source for infants.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 863.
Αlphalactalbumin - ✔A major protein found in human milk whey. Assists in processing
lactose.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 863.
Alveolar ridge - ✔The ridges on the upper and lower jaw where infant's teeth will grow.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 863.
Alveolus, alveoli - ✔Secrete and store milk for let down. Surrounded by myoepithelial
cells, contractile cells and connective tissue.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 80.
Amenorrhea - ✔A natural phase of infertility that takes place when a mother is
exclusively breastfeeding. Menstruation has not returned.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 707
&865.
Amoxicillin - ✔Antibiotic, L2. Observe for change in intestinal flora, compatible.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 177.
Ampicillin - ✔Antibiotic, L1. Observe for change in intestinal flora, compatible.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 177.
Anaphylaxis - ✔Hypersensitivity (as to foreign proteins or drugs) resulting from
sensitization following prior contact with the causative agent.
Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary. www.merriam-webster.com/medical/anaphylaxis.
Anchor scar - ✔Surgical technique for breast reduction, slang.
,Ankyglossia - ✔A tongue tie. Characterized by a thick, short, or tight frenulum under the
tongue. Can cause breastfeeding issues, such as a painful latch or inefficient milk
transfer.
Anterior pituitary - ✔This gland releases prolactin into the blood effecting milk
production and ejection. It is susceptible to stress.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 91.
Anthrax - ✔Infectious disease caused by a spore-forming bacterium (Bacillus anthrax),
characterized by external ulcerating nodules or by lesions in the lungs.
Merriam Webster Medical Dictionary. www.merriam-webster.com/medical/anthrax.
Antibody - ✔Immunoglobulin formed in response to an antigen, including bacteria and
viruses. Antibodies attack those bacteria or viruses helping the body resist infection.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 863.
Antigen - ✔Substance that stimulates antibody production. May be dust, food, or
bacteria.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 863.
Apgar score - ✔Index to evaluate the condition of a newborn infant based on a rating of
0, 1, or 2 for color, heart rate, reflex response, muscle tone, and respiration with 10
being a perfect score.
Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary. www.merriam-webster.com/medical/apgar
%20score.
Apocrine gland - ✔Sweat glands located on the areola that secrete a scent.
Mannel, Martens & Walker, 2008. Core Curriculum for Lactation Consultant Practice
(2nd ed.), page 197-198.
Apoptosis - ✔Programmed normal cell death.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 863.
Applied research - ✔Research that focuses on solving or finding an answer to a clinical
or practical problem.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 863.
Areola - ✔The darker pigmented skin that surrounds the nipple. Contains sebaceous
glands (Montgomery Glands)
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 863.
Aspirin - ✔Salicylate analgesic, L3. Use associated with Reye's Syndrome in infants.
Hale, 2010. Medications and Mother's Milk (14th ed.), page 87.
, Atopic eczema - ✔Inherited allergic tendency to skin rashes or inflammation.
Exclusively breastfed infants are less likely to develop as cow's milk protein is a
common allergen.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 863.
Autocrine control - ✔The point in lactation when milk supply is controlled by milk
removal. Local control in the breast.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 92.
Autonomy - ✔The capacity of a rational individual to make an informed, un-coerced
decision.
Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autonomy#Medicine.
Average - ✔The middle value of a data set. Add all the numbers and divided by the
amount of numbers in the set.
Wikipedia. Available online: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Average.
Axilla - ✔Underarm. Breast tissue (the axillary tail) can sometimes extend into axilla.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 863-
864.
B Cell - ✔Lymphocyte produced in bone marrow and peripheral lymphoid tissue; found
in breastmilk. Attacks antigens.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 864.
β lactaglobin - ✔Major protein in bovine milk.
Hale & Hartman, 2007. Textbook of Human Lactation, page 40.
Back to sleep - ✔A campaign that significantly reduced SIDS. Babies are less prone to
SIDS when sleeping on their back.
Mannel, Martens & Walker, 2008. Core Curriculum for Lactation Consultant Practice
(2nd ed.), page 632.
Bactericidal - ✔Destroys bacteria.
Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary. www.merriam-webster.com/medical/bactericidal.
Bacteriostatic - ✔Prevents the growth of bacteria.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 864.
Bactrim/Septra - ✔Sulfonamide antibiotic, L3. The mixture of trimethoprim and
sulfamethoxazole. No concerns reported via breastmilk.
Hale, 2010. Medications and Mother's Milk (14th ed.), page 249.
BALT/GALT/MALT - ✔Bronchus/gut/mammary-associated immunocompetent lymphoid
tissue. Intermammary pathway. IgA antibodies are transferred through breastmilk to the
infant.
% of breastmilk that is carbohydrates - ✔Approximately 7%
Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breast_milk.
% of breastmilk that is fat - ✔Approximately 4%
Hale and Hartman, 2007. Textbook of Human Lactation, page 50.
% of breastmilk that is protein - ✔Approximately .8 - 1 %
Mannel, Martens & Walker, 2008. Core Curriculum for Lactation Consultant Practice
(2nd ed.), page 272.
% of calories in breastmilk from carbohydrates - ✔Approximately 40%
Hale and Hartman, 2007. Textbook of Human Lactation, page 69.
% of calories in breastmilk from fat - ✔Approximately 50%
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 124.
% of calories in breastmilk from protein - ✔Approximately 10%
Mannel, Martens & Walker, 2008. Core Curriculum for Lactation Consultant Practice
(2nd ed.), page 272.
Acinus - ✔Any of the small sacs or alveoli that terminate the ducts and are lined with
secretory cells.
Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary. Available online: http://www.merriam-
webster.com/medical/acinus?show=0&t=1296699192
Acrocyanosis - ✔Bluish discoloration of the hands and feet in the newborn; peripheral
cyanosis. Should not persist beyond 24 hours after birth.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 863.
Active immunity - ✔Immunity conferred by the production of antibodies by one's own
immune system.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 868.
Active transport - ✔Passage of drug into breastmilk assisted by components in
breastmilk.
Hale & Hartman, 2007. Textbook of Human Lactation, page 470.
Acyclovir/Zovirax - ✔Antiviral used to treat herpes infections, L2.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 177.
Aerobic bacteria - ✔Bacteria requiring air for metabolic processes. The breast is
colonized with this type of bacteria.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 863.
,AGA - ✔Appropriate for Gestational Age. Having a birth weight between the 10th and
90th percentile on intrauterine growth charts.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 671.
Alcohol and breastfeeding - ✔Alcohol can decrease milk supply. Breastfeeding must be
interrupted for 1 hour per drink, or until mother is sober.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 171 &
188.
Aldomet/Methyldopa - ✔Antihypertensive, L2. Frequently used to treat hypertension
during pregnancy. No concerns reported via breastmilk.
Hale, 2010. Medications and Mother's Milk (14th ed.), page 667.
Allergen - ✔A substance that causes an allergic response, such as foods, drugs,
inhalants. Cow's milk is common source for infants.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 863.
Αlphalactalbumin - ✔A major protein found in human milk whey. Assists in processing
lactose.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 863.
Alveolar ridge - ✔The ridges on the upper and lower jaw where infant's teeth will grow.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 863.
Alveolus, alveoli - ✔Secrete and store milk for let down. Surrounded by myoepithelial
cells, contractile cells and connective tissue.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 80.
Amenorrhea - ✔A natural phase of infertility that takes place when a mother is
exclusively breastfeeding. Menstruation has not returned.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 707
&865.
Amoxicillin - ✔Antibiotic, L2. Observe for change in intestinal flora, compatible.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 177.
Ampicillin - ✔Antibiotic, L1. Observe for change in intestinal flora, compatible.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 177.
Anaphylaxis - ✔Hypersensitivity (as to foreign proteins or drugs) resulting from
sensitization following prior contact with the causative agent.
Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary. www.merriam-webster.com/medical/anaphylaxis.
Anchor scar - ✔Surgical technique for breast reduction, slang.
,Ankyglossia - ✔A tongue tie. Characterized by a thick, short, or tight frenulum under the
tongue. Can cause breastfeeding issues, such as a painful latch or inefficient milk
transfer.
Anterior pituitary - ✔This gland releases prolactin into the blood effecting milk
production and ejection. It is susceptible to stress.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 91.
Anthrax - ✔Infectious disease caused by a spore-forming bacterium (Bacillus anthrax),
characterized by external ulcerating nodules or by lesions in the lungs.
Merriam Webster Medical Dictionary. www.merriam-webster.com/medical/anthrax.
Antibody - ✔Immunoglobulin formed in response to an antigen, including bacteria and
viruses. Antibodies attack those bacteria or viruses helping the body resist infection.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 863.
Antigen - ✔Substance that stimulates antibody production. May be dust, food, or
bacteria.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 863.
Apgar score - ✔Index to evaluate the condition of a newborn infant based on a rating of
0, 1, or 2 for color, heart rate, reflex response, muscle tone, and respiration with 10
being a perfect score.
Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary. www.merriam-webster.com/medical/apgar
%20score.
Apocrine gland - ✔Sweat glands located on the areola that secrete a scent.
Mannel, Martens & Walker, 2008. Core Curriculum for Lactation Consultant Practice
(2nd ed.), page 197-198.
Apoptosis - ✔Programmed normal cell death.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 863.
Applied research - ✔Research that focuses on solving or finding an answer to a clinical
or practical problem.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 863.
Areola - ✔The darker pigmented skin that surrounds the nipple. Contains sebaceous
glands (Montgomery Glands)
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 863.
Aspirin - ✔Salicylate analgesic, L3. Use associated with Reye's Syndrome in infants.
Hale, 2010. Medications and Mother's Milk (14th ed.), page 87.
, Atopic eczema - ✔Inherited allergic tendency to skin rashes or inflammation.
Exclusively breastfed infants are less likely to develop as cow's milk protein is a
common allergen.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 863.
Autocrine control - ✔The point in lactation when milk supply is controlled by milk
removal. Local control in the breast.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 92.
Autonomy - ✔The capacity of a rational individual to make an informed, un-coerced
decision.
Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autonomy#Medicine.
Average - ✔The middle value of a data set. Add all the numbers and divided by the
amount of numbers in the set.
Wikipedia. Available online: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Average.
Axilla - ✔Underarm. Breast tissue (the axillary tail) can sometimes extend into axilla.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 863-
864.
B Cell - ✔Lymphocyte produced in bone marrow and peripheral lymphoid tissue; found
in breastmilk. Attacks antigens.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 864.
β lactaglobin - ✔Major protein in bovine milk.
Hale & Hartman, 2007. Textbook of Human Lactation, page 40.
Back to sleep - ✔A campaign that significantly reduced SIDS. Babies are less prone to
SIDS when sleeping on their back.
Mannel, Martens & Walker, 2008. Core Curriculum for Lactation Consultant Practice
(2nd ed.), page 632.
Bactericidal - ✔Destroys bacteria.
Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary. www.merriam-webster.com/medical/bactericidal.
Bacteriostatic - ✔Prevents the growth of bacteria.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 864.
Bactrim/Septra - ✔Sulfonamide antibiotic, L3. The mixture of trimethoprim and
sulfamethoxazole. No concerns reported via breastmilk.
Hale, 2010. Medications and Mother's Milk (14th ed.), page 249.
BALT/GALT/MALT - ✔Bronchus/gut/mammary-associated immunocompetent lymphoid
tissue. Intermammary pathway. IgA antibodies are transferred through breastmilk to the
infant.
