PCE Certified Breastfeeding Counselor
Exam 2025/2026 Actual Verified
Questions with Correct Detailed Answers
A+ Guaranteed | 100% Correct
Q01 What is the primary hormone responsible for milk production (lactogenesis II)?
Answer: Prolactin
Detailed Rationale: After delivery of the placenta, progesterone levels drop dramatically. This
drop, combined with high levels of prolactin (stimulated by frequent suckling), triggers
lactogenesis II — the onset of copious milk secretion (usually 48–72 hours postpartum).
Q02 Which hormone is primarily responsible for milk ejection (let-down reflex)?
Answer: Oxytocin
Detailed Rationale: Oxytocin is released from the posterior pituitary in response to nipple
stimulation (suckling, breast massage, or even thoughts of the baby). It causes contraction of
myoepithelial cells surrounding the alveoli, ejecting milk into the ducts.
Q03 A mother reports that her 3-day-old baby is nursing 8–12 times per day and has had 3 wet
diapers and 2 stools in the last 24 hours. What is the most appropriate action?
Answer: Reassure the mother that this is normal and encourage continued frequent feeding
Detailed Rationale: Newborns typically have 1 wet/stool per day of life in the first week (rule of
1s). On day 3: expect ~3 wet & 3 stools. Output is adequate; frequent nursing is establishing
supply.
Q04 What is the gold standard for assessing adequate milk transfer during breastfeeding?
Answer: Pre- and post-feed test weighing (using an accurate scale)
Detailed Rationale: Test weighing (baby weighed naked before and after feeding on a gram-
accurate scale) directly measures milk intake. One ounce ≈ 30 grams. Clinical signs (swallowing,
contentment, output) are supportive but less precise.
Exam 2025/2026 Actual Verified
Questions with Correct Detailed Answers
A+ Guaranteed | 100% Correct
Q01 What is the primary hormone responsible for milk production (lactogenesis II)?
Answer: Prolactin
Detailed Rationale: After delivery of the placenta, progesterone levels drop dramatically. This
drop, combined with high levels of prolactin (stimulated by frequent suckling), triggers
lactogenesis II — the onset of copious milk secretion (usually 48–72 hours postpartum).
Q02 Which hormone is primarily responsible for milk ejection (let-down reflex)?
Answer: Oxytocin
Detailed Rationale: Oxytocin is released from the posterior pituitary in response to nipple
stimulation (suckling, breast massage, or even thoughts of the baby). It causes contraction of
myoepithelial cells surrounding the alveoli, ejecting milk into the ducts.
Q03 A mother reports that her 3-day-old baby is nursing 8–12 times per day and has had 3 wet
diapers and 2 stools in the last 24 hours. What is the most appropriate action?
Answer: Reassure the mother that this is normal and encourage continued frequent feeding
Detailed Rationale: Newborns typically have 1 wet/stool per day of life in the first week (rule of
1s). On day 3: expect ~3 wet & 3 stools. Output is adequate; frequent nursing is establishing
supply.
Q04 What is the gold standard for assessing adequate milk transfer during breastfeeding?
Answer: Pre- and post-feed test weighing (using an accurate scale)
Detailed Rationale: Test weighing (baby weighed naked before and after feeding on a gram-
accurate scale) directly measures milk intake. One ounce ≈ 30 grams. Clinical signs (swallowing,
contentment, output) are supportive but less precise.
