IBCLC EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2025
% of breastmilk that is carbohydrates - (ANSWER)Approximately 7%
Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breast_milk.
% of breastmilk that is fat - (ANSWER)Approximately 4%
Hale and Hartman, 2007. Textbook of Human Lactation, page 50.
% of breastmilk that is protein - (ANSWER)Approximately .8 - 1 %
Mannel, Martens & Walker, 2008. Core Curriculum for Lactation Consultant Practice (2nd ed.), page 272.
% of calories in breastmilk from carbohydrates - (ANSWER)Approximately 40%
Hale and Hartman, 2007. Textbook of Human Lactation, page 69.
% of calories in breastmilk from fat - (ANSWER)Approximately 50%
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 124.
% of calories in breastmilk from protein - (ANSWER)Approximately 10%
Mannel, Martens & Walker, 2008. Core Curriculum for Lactation Consultant Practice (2nd ed.), page 272.
Acinus - (ANSWER)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 - (ANSWER)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 - (ANSWER)Immunity conferred by the production of antibodies by one's own immune
system.
,IBCLC EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2025
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 868.
Active transport - (ANSWER)Passage of drug into breastmilk assisted by components in breastmilk.
Hale & Hartman, 2007. Textbook of Human Lactation, page 470.
Acyclovir/Zovirax - (ANSWER)Antiviral used to treat herpes infections, L2.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 177.
Aerobic bacteria - (ANSWER)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 - (ANSWER)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 - (ANSWER)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 - (ANSWER)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 - (ANSWER)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 - (ANSWER)A major protein found in human milk whey. Assists in processing lactose.
,IBCLC EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2025
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 863.
Alveolar ridge - (ANSWER)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 - (ANSWER)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 - (ANSWER)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 - (ANSWER)Antibiotic, L2. Observe for change in intestinal flora, compatible.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 177.
Ampicillin - (ANSWER)Antibiotic, L1. Observe for change in intestinal flora, compatible.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 177.
Anaphylaxis - (ANSWER)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 - (ANSWER)Surgical technique for breast reduction, slang.
Ankyglossia - (ANSWER)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.
, IBCLC EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2025
Anterior pituitary - (ANSWER)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 - (ANSWER)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 - (ANSWER)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 - (ANSWER)Substance that stimulates antibody production. May be dust, food, or bacteria.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 863.
Apgar score - (ANSWER)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 - (ANSWER)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 - (ANSWER)Programmed normal cell death.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 863.
Applied research - (ANSWER)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.
% of breastmilk that is carbohydrates - (ANSWER)Approximately 7%
Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breast_milk.
% of breastmilk that is fat - (ANSWER)Approximately 4%
Hale and Hartman, 2007. Textbook of Human Lactation, page 50.
% of breastmilk that is protein - (ANSWER)Approximately .8 - 1 %
Mannel, Martens & Walker, 2008. Core Curriculum for Lactation Consultant Practice (2nd ed.), page 272.
% of calories in breastmilk from carbohydrates - (ANSWER)Approximately 40%
Hale and Hartman, 2007. Textbook of Human Lactation, page 69.
% of calories in breastmilk from fat - (ANSWER)Approximately 50%
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 124.
% of calories in breastmilk from protein - (ANSWER)Approximately 10%
Mannel, Martens & Walker, 2008. Core Curriculum for Lactation Consultant Practice (2nd ed.), page 272.
Acinus - (ANSWER)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 - (ANSWER)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 - (ANSWER)Immunity conferred by the production of antibodies by one's own immune
system.
,IBCLC EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2025
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 868.
Active transport - (ANSWER)Passage of drug into breastmilk assisted by components in breastmilk.
Hale & Hartman, 2007. Textbook of Human Lactation, page 470.
Acyclovir/Zovirax - (ANSWER)Antiviral used to treat herpes infections, L2.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 177.
Aerobic bacteria - (ANSWER)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 - (ANSWER)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 - (ANSWER)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 - (ANSWER)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 - (ANSWER)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 - (ANSWER)A major protein found in human milk whey. Assists in processing lactose.
,IBCLC EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2025
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 863.
Alveolar ridge - (ANSWER)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 - (ANSWER)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 - (ANSWER)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 - (ANSWER)Antibiotic, L2. Observe for change in intestinal flora, compatible.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 177.
Ampicillin - (ANSWER)Antibiotic, L1. Observe for change in intestinal flora, compatible.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 177.
Anaphylaxis - (ANSWER)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 - (ANSWER)Surgical technique for breast reduction, slang.
Ankyglossia - (ANSWER)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.
, IBCLC EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2025
Anterior pituitary - (ANSWER)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 - (ANSWER)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 - (ANSWER)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 - (ANSWER)Substance that stimulates antibody production. May be dust, food, or bacteria.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 863.
Apgar score - (ANSWER)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 - (ANSWER)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 - (ANSWER)Programmed normal cell death.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 863.
Applied research - (ANSWER)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.
