Certified Lactation Counselor Exam (CLC)
EXAM LATEST UPDATE 2026 WITH
COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
DETAILED ANSWERS
What duration of breastfeeding is associated with significantly reduced incidence of
acute otits media (AOM)? A) Any breastfeeding B) Up to 3 mos C) More than 4-6
months -CORRECTANSWER C) More than 4-6 months
Breastfeeding lowers the risk for the incidence of dental caries compared to children fed
nonhuman milk from a bottle. True of False? -CORRECTANSWER True
Does breastfeeding lower the risk of NEC in preterm infants? -CORRECTANSWER Yes
Is there a difference in the protective effect against SIDS between babies that are
exclusively breastfed vs. non-exclusively? -CORRECTANSWER Yes, babies that are
exclusively breastfed have a stronger protective effect against SIDS
Does breastfeeding lower the risk for the incidence of malocclusion (misalignment of
teeth)? -CORRECTANSWER Yes
True of False. Lactational amenorrhea, or the delay in return of menses after birth, is
not associated with exclusive breastfeeding. -CORRECTANSWER False
, What are the physical benefits of breastfeeding to the lactating parent? -
CORRECTANSWER Lower risk of breast cancer, lower risk of ovarian cancer, reduced
risk of Type 2 diabetes, reduced risk of cardiovascular disease
What are the 3 main steps of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)? -CORRECTANSWER
Best available clinical evidence, Clinical expertise, Patient concerns and needs
What are the benefits of breastfeeding for infants? -CORRECTANSWER Protective
against respiratory infections, asthma, gastrointestinal infections and diarrhea, ear
infections, dental caries, teeth misalignment, NEC and SIDS, obesity, diabetes, higher
performance on intelligence tests
What are hypotonic lips in an infant? -CORRECTANSWER Abnormally LOW muscle
tone or weakness in lips- may impact amount of suction, increase work of feeding, can
contribute to milk loss and fatigue during feedings
What are hypertonic lips in an infant? -CORRECTANSWER Abnormally HIGH muscle
tone or overuse of lips- increased lip activity to hold breast in mouth
What can hypertonic lips be an indication of? -CORRECTANSWER 1. Neurological
abnormality or injury of the tongue, jaws, or facial nerves. 2. Can also be compensating
for muscular weakness in the cheeks, jaw, or tongue or reduced lingual or labial mobility
EXAM LATEST UPDATE 2026 WITH
COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
DETAILED ANSWERS
What duration of breastfeeding is associated with significantly reduced incidence of
acute otits media (AOM)? A) Any breastfeeding B) Up to 3 mos C) More than 4-6
months -CORRECTANSWER C) More than 4-6 months
Breastfeeding lowers the risk for the incidence of dental caries compared to children fed
nonhuman milk from a bottle. True of False? -CORRECTANSWER True
Does breastfeeding lower the risk of NEC in preterm infants? -CORRECTANSWER Yes
Is there a difference in the protective effect against SIDS between babies that are
exclusively breastfed vs. non-exclusively? -CORRECTANSWER Yes, babies that are
exclusively breastfed have a stronger protective effect against SIDS
Does breastfeeding lower the risk for the incidence of malocclusion (misalignment of
teeth)? -CORRECTANSWER Yes
True of False. Lactational amenorrhea, or the delay in return of menses after birth, is
not associated with exclusive breastfeeding. -CORRECTANSWER False
, What are the physical benefits of breastfeeding to the lactating parent? -
CORRECTANSWER Lower risk of breast cancer, lower risk of ovarian cancer, reduced
risk of Type 2 diabetes, reduced risk of cardiovascular disease
What are the 3 main steps of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)? -CORRECTANSWER
Best available clinical evidence, Clinical expertise, Patient concerns and needs
What are the benefits of breastfeeding for infants? -CORRECTANSWER Protective
against respiratory infections, asthma, gastrointestinal infections and diarrhea, ear
infections, dental caries, teeth misalignment, NEC and SIDS, obesity, diabetes, higher
performance on intelligence tests
What are hypotonic lips in an infant? -CORRECTANSWER Abnormally LOW muscle
tone or weakness in lips- may impact amount of suction, increase work of feeding, can
contribute to milk loss and fatigue during feedings
What are hypertonic lips in an infant? -CORRECTANSWER Abnormally HIGH muscle
tone or overuse of lips- increased lip activity to hold breast in mouth
What can hypertonic lips be an indication of? -CORRECTANSWER 1. Neurological
abnormality or injury of the tongue, jaws, or facial nerves. 2. Can also be compensating
for muscular weakness in the cheeks, jaw, or tongue or reduced lingual or labial mobility
