PCE CERTIFIED BREASTFEEDING COUNSELOR
EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
ANSWERS AND A COMPLETE STUDY GUIDE EXAM
NEW MODIFIED GRADED A+ BEST QUALITY 2026
LATEST
How is milk ejected into ducts from alveoli? aka let down --CORRECT
ANSWER--Myoepitheal cells encase the aveoli, contract in response to
oxytocin. In response to sucking oxytocin increases
Different stages of breast development --CORRECT ANSWER---
embryogenesis: Mammary gland while embryo
- Mammogenesis: @ puberty, estrogen influences growth of ducts and buds
-Lactogensesis 1: Fullness and tenderness while pregnant. Ducts stimulated.
Lactogenesis 2: Secretory activation when placenta out. D/t increase of
prolactin when progestrone decreases.
Lactogenesis 3: Milk removal= production. Infant sucking= oxytocin= let down.
How long after cessation of breast feeding does milk production stop? --
CORRECT ANSWER--40 days
Where is milk produced? --CORRECT ANSWER--Alveoli
Page 1 of 25
,What happens to estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy and birth? --
CORRECT ANSWER--Increase during pregnancy, decreases after birth. Helps
development of lobes.
Signs of letdown? --CORRECT ANSWER--Tingling, warmth, fullness,
dripping, contractions
Tail of spence: What is it, symptoms, how to treat --CORRECT ANSWER--
Mammary gland tissue that extends to axillary area, connected to milk ducts. =
Swollen armpits and mastitis.
Treatment: Cold compress, tylenon or motrin
Accessory tissue: Where are they found? Can they lactate? --CORRECT
ANSWER--Diagonal line from axilla to groin area. Can lactate and undergo
malignant change.
Flat/ inverted nipples: possible issues and solutions? What is short shank? --
CORRECT ANSWER--Difficulty w/ latch. Nipple shield may help.
Short shank= retraction w/ stimulation
Hypoplasia, what is it? --CORRECT ANSWER--Underdevelopment,
insufficient glandular tissue. No changes during pregnancy, insufficient milk.
Page 2 of 25
, What is breast milk composed of? --CORRECT ANSWER--- Fats: higher in
mature milk and evenings
-Protein: Casein- allows for iron to be absorbed, mature milk. Whey- early milk,
IGA, kills bacteria
Carbs: Lactose, makes up alories/ energy.
Vitamins: A,D,E,K,C, thiamin, riboflavin, b's. Influenced by mom.
Minerals: Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, not affected by diet.
-Mostly water
How is preterm milk different? --CORRECT ANSWER--Higher in protein and
immune factors
Standards of of practice for CBC --CORRECT ANSWER--- Help families
define and achieve goals
-Problem solving: Assessment, plan, implementation, evaluation
-Education and counseling
-Professionalism
-Legal considerations
What can affect a hc professionals presentation about breastfeeding? --
CORRECT ANSWER---Experience, philosophy, credentials
Page 3 of 25
EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
ANSWERS AND A COMPLETE STUDY GUIDE EXAM
NEW MODIFIED GRADED A+ BEST QUALITY 2026
LATEST
How is milk ejected into ducts from alveoli? aka let down --CORRECT
ANSWER--Myoepitheal cells encase the aveoli, contract in response to
oxytocin. In response to sucking oxytocin increases
Different stages of breast development --CORRECT ANSWER---
embryogenesis: Mammary gland while embryo
- Mammogenesis: @ puberty, estrogen influences growth of ducts and buds
-Lactogensesis 1: Fullness and tenderness while pregnant. Ducts stimulated.
Lactogenesis 2: Secretory activation when placenta out. D/t increase of
prolactin when progestrone decreases.
Lactogenesis 3: Milk removal= production. Infant sucking= oxytocin= let down.
How long after cessation of breast feeding does milk production stop? --
CORRECT ANSWER--40 days
Where is milk produced? --CORRECT ANSWER--Alveoli
Page 1 of 25
,What happens to estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy and birth? --
CORRECT ANSWER--Increase during pregnancy, decreases after birth. Helps
development of lobes.
Signs of letdown? --CORRECT ANSWER--Tingling, warmth, fullness,
dripping, contractions
Tail of spence: What is it, symptoms, how to treat --CORRECT ANSWER--
Mammary gland tissue that extends to axillary area, connected to milk ducts. =
Swollen armpits and mastitis.
Treatment: Cold compress, tylenon or motrin
Accessory tissue: Where are they found? Can they lactate? --CORRECT
ANSWER--Diagonal line from axilla to groin area. Can lactate and undergo
malignant change.
Flat/ inverted nipples: possible issues and solutions? What is short shank? --
CORRECT ANSWER--Difficulty w/ latch. Nipple shield may help.
Short shank= retraction w/ stimulation
Hypoplasia, what is it? --CORRECT ANSWER--Underdevelopment,
insufficient glandular tissue. No changes during pregnancy, insufficient milk.
Page 2 of 25
, What is breast milk composed of? --CORRECT ANSWER--- Fats: higher in
mature milk and evenings
-Protein: Casein- allows for iron to be absorbed, mature milk. Whey- early milk,
IGA, kills bacteria
Carbs: Lactose, makes up alories/ energy.
Vitamins: A,D,E,K,C, thiamin, riboflavin, b's. Influenced by mom.
Minerals: Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, not affected by diet.
-Mostly water
How is preterm milk different? --CORRECT ANSWER--Higher in protein and
immune factors
Standards of of practice for CBC --CORRECT ANSWER--- Help families
define and achieve goals
-Problem solving: Assessment, plan, implementation, evaluation
-Education and counseling
-Professionalism
-Legal considerations
What can affect a hc professionals presentation about breastfeeding? --
CORRECT ANSWER---Experience, philosophy, credentials
Page 3 of 25
