COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW FOR THE
ALPP CERTIFIED LACTATION
COUNSELOR EXAMINATION:
PRACTICE ITEMS WITH EVIDENCE-
BASED RATIONALES (2026/2027
UPDATE)
What occurs in both the mother and the infant when the infant suckles
from the breast?
An outpouring of 19 different GI hormones, including cholecystokinin and
gastrin, which stimulates growth and increases absorption of calories.
This physiological response to suckling benefits both the mother and the
baby, impacting digestion and nutrient absorption .
To whom does the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk
Substitutes apply?
It applies to the marketing of infant formula, follow-on formulas, feeding
bottles, and teats.
The Code is a health policy framework to regulate the marketing of these
products to protect breastfeeding .
What is the primary public health goal of the WHO and UNICEF's three
strategies for breastfeeding?
To increase breastfeeding initiation and duration in every country.
The three strategies are promotion, protection, and support .
,What is the focus of breastfeeding "protection" as a public health strategy?
It focuses on government, manufacturer, and social responsibility to ensure
breastfeeding can compete fairly with commercial interests.
This includes addressing improper marketing practices and passing
supportive legislation .
What is a major finding regarding the impact of suboptimal breastfeeding?
It accounts for more than 3,340 maternal and child deaths a year, with 80%
being maternal deaths.
This highlights the significant public health consequences of not supporting
breastfeeding .
Why is breastfeeding often considered difficult, according to the search
results?
Due to unrealistic expectations and a lack of timely interventions.
Many parents are unprepared for the realities of the newborn period, and
problems in the first week pose a great risk to stopping breastfeeding .
What does a CLC certification designate?
It is a nationally recognized award by the ALPP for those who are exam-
eligible and pass the exam.
It verifies competency in lactation management knowledge and skills .
What is the primary purpose of the CLC certification?
To protect the public by identifying individuals competent in lactation
management skills and knowledge.
The certification ensures a standard of competence for professionals
providing lactation support .
From a public health perspective, why is breastfeeding considered a
priority?
It has been recognized as a public health priority in tropical climates since
the 1930s, but not until the 1990s in the US.
, This recognition stems from the profound health benefits and cost savings
associated with breastfeeding .
What is one of the documented long-term health benefits for a woman
who nurses a baby for a year or more?
It decreases by 10-15% the risk of developing hypertension, diabetes,
hyperlipidemia, and cardiovascular disease.
Long-term breastfeeding offers significant protective health benefits for the
mother .
What is the role of a CLC concerning "lack of timely interventions"?
A CLC is trained to identify and address problems early, particularly in the
3- to 7-day window, to prevent breastfeeding cessation.
Timely support and intervention are crucial for breastfeeding success .
What kind of risk do women who do not breastfeed have?
They are at greater risk for myocardial infarction, aspects of metabolic
syndrome, and breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancer.
Not breastfeeding is associated with higher risks of several serious health
conditions for the mother .
What is the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice (ALPP) responsible
for?
ALPP develops and administers the CLC examination to assess the
knowledge and skills for competent practice.
The ALPP also oversees the certification process and grants the CLC
credential .
What is the required level of education for a CLC candidate?
A minimum of 95 hours of didactic training, in addition to competency
verification.
This requirement ensures that CLCs have comprehensive preparation for
their role .
ALPP CERTIFIED LACTATION
COUNSELOR EXAMINATION:
PRACTICE ITEMS WITH EVIDENCE-
BASED RATIONALES (2026/2027
UPDATE)
What occurs in both the mother and the infant when the infant suckles
from the breast?
An outpouring of 19 different GI hormones, including cholecystokinin and
gastrin, which stimulates growth and increases absorption of calories.
This physiological response to suckling benefits both the mother and the
baby, impacting digestion and nutrient absorption .
To whom does the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk
Substitutes apply?
It applies to the marketing of infant formula, follow-on formulas, feeding
bottles, and teats.
The Code is a health policy framework to regulate the marketing of these
products to protect breastfeeding .
What is the primary public health goal of the WHO and UNICEF's three
strategies for breastfeeding?
To increase breastfeeding initiation and duration in every country.
The three strategies are promotion, protection, and support .
,What is the focus of breastfeeding "protection" as a public health strategy?
It focuses on government, manufacturer, and social responsibility to ensure
breastfeeding can compete fairly with commercial interests.
This includes addressing improper marketing practices and passing
supportive legislation .
What is a major finding regarding the impact of suboptimal breastfeeding?
It accounts for more than 3,340 maternal and child deaths a year, with 80%
being maternal deaths.
This highlights the significant public health consequences of not supporting
breastfeeding .
Why is breastfeeding often considered difficult, according to the search
results?
Due to unrealistic expectations and a lack of timely interventions.
Many parents are unprepared for the realities of the newborn period, and
problems in the first week pose a great risk to stopping breastfeeding .
What does a CLC certification designate?
It is a nationally recognized award by the ALPP for those who are exam-
eligible and pass the exam.
It verifies competency in lactation management knowledge and skills .
What is the primary purpose of the CLC certification?
To protect the public by identifying individuals competent in lactation
management skills and knowledge.
The certification ensures a standard of competence for professionals
providing lactation support .
From a public health perspective, why is breastfeeding considered a
priority?
It has been recognized as a public health priority in tropical climates since
the 1930s, but not until the 1990s in the US.
, This recognition stems from the profound health benefits and cost savings
associated with breastfeeding .
What is one of the documented long-term health benefits for a woman
who nurses a baby for a year or more?
It decreases by 10-15% the risk of developing hypertension, diabetes,
hyperlipidemia, and cardiovascular disease.
Long-term breastfeeding offers significant protective health benefits for the
mother .
What is the role of a CLC concerning "lack of timely interventions"?
A CLC is trained to identify and address problems early, particularly in the
3- to 7-day window, to prevent breastfeeding cessation.
Timely support and intervention are crucial for breastfeeding success .
What kind of risk do women who do not breastfeed have?
They are at greater risk for myocardial infarction, aspects of metabolic
syndrome, and breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancer.
Not breastfeeding is associated with higher risks of several serious health
conditions for the mother .
What is the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice (ALPP) responsible
for?
ALPP develops and administers the CLC examination to assess the
knowledge and skills for competent practice.
The ALPP also oversees the certification process and grants the CLC
credential .
What is the required level of education for a CLC candidate?
A minimum of 95 hours of didactic training, in addition to competency
verification.
This requirement ensures that CLCs have comprehensive preparation for
their role .
