Actual Certified Lactation Counselor Exam
(CLC)Preparation – 100 Questions,
Answers, and Explanations for Effective
Study| PDF
1. Newborn Feeding Frequency
Scenario:
A 3-day-old newborn is feeding every 1–2 hours and has 3 wet diapers in 24 hours. The mother
reports nipple pain.
Question:
What is the most likely concern?
A. Oversupply
B. Infant reflux
C. Ineffective latch/low milk transfer
D. Maternal infection
Explanation:
Frequent feeding with low output and nipple pain indicates poor latch; addressing positioning is
the first step.
2. Breast Engorgement
Scenario:
A mother at day 4 postpartum has firm, painful breasts. She reports difficulty latching.
,Question:
Best initial intervention?
A. Avoid feeding
B. Frequent breastfeeding and hand expression to soften areola
C. Pump and discard
D. Give formula
Explanation:
Engorgement resolves with frequent feeds and milk removal, allowing the baby to latch.
3. Jaundice
Scenario:
A 5-day-old infant presents with mild jaundice and is feeding every 3–4 hours.
Question:
CLC priority recommendation?
A. Delay feeds
B. Phototherapy immediately
C. Encourage on-demand breastfeeding
D. Introduce formula
Explanation:
Frequent feeding prevents dehydration and supports bilirubin excretion.
4. Nipple Trauma
Scenario:
Mother reports cracked, painful nipples; latch appears shallow.
Question:
Primary intervention?
A. Topical antibiotics
B. Nipple shields
C. Correct latch and positioning
D. Stop breastfeeding
Explanation:
Pain is usually due to improper latch, not infection.
,5. Maternal Diet
Scenario:
Breastfeeding mother is under-eating and worried about milk supply.
Question:
CLC advice?
A. Stop breastfeeding
B. Encourage balanced nutrition and hydration
C. High-dose vitamins only
D. Use formula exclusively
Explanation:
Adequate maternal intake ensures milk quality and maternal health.
6. Infant Weight Loss
Scenario:
A 4-day-old baby lost 8% of birth weight; mother reports infrequent feeds.
Question:
CLC’s first step?
A. Start formula immediately
B. Assess feeding technique and encourage frequent breastfeeding
C. Limit feeds to every 4 hours
D. Give herbal supplements
Explanation:
Weight loss >7% in early days requires feeding evaluation and support, not automatic formula.
7. Mastitis Prevention
Scenario:
Mother reports breast redness and mild flu-like symptoms.
Question:
Best initial CLC guidance?
, A. Stop breastfeeding
B. Continue frequent feeding, massage, and monitor symptoms
C. Pump and discard milk
D. Take herbal supplements
Explanation:
Early mastitis management includes continued milk removal and monitoring; antibiotics may
be needed if severe.
8. Infant Swallowing Observation
Scenario:
Mother reports frequent feeding but baby seems “hungry” after feeds.
Question:
What indicates effective milk transfer?
A. Short, shallow sucks
B. Audible swallowing and relaxed jaw
C. Constant crying
D. Falling asleep immediately
Explanation:
Audible swallowing shows the infant is receiving milk effectively.
9. Low Milk Supply Concern
Scenario:
Mother reports feeling that her milk is “low” despite frequent feeding.
Question:
CLC intervention?
A. Switch to formula
B. Observe breastfeeding, assess latch, encourage frequent feeds
C. Limit feeding to every 4 hours
D. Take herbal galactagogues immediately
Explanation:
Most perceived low supply is due to inefficient milk transfer; assessment and technique
adjustments are first.
(CLC)Preparation – 100 Questions,
Answers, and Explanations for Effective
Study| PDF
1. Newborn Feeding Frequency
Scenario:
A 3-day-old newborn is feeding every 1–2 hours and has 3 wet diapers in 24 hours. The mother
reports nipple pain.
Question:
What is the most likely concern?
A. Oversupply
B. Infant reflux
C. Ineffective latch/low milk transfer
D. Maternal infection
Explanation:
Frequent feeding with low output and nipple pain indicates poor latch; addressing positioning is
the first step.
2. Breast Engorgement
Scenario:
A mother at day 4 postpartum has firm, painful breasts. She reports difficulty latching.
,Question:
Best initial intervention?
A. Avoid feeding
B. Frequent breastfeeding and hand expression to soften areola
C. Pump and discard
D. Give formula
Explanation:
Engorgement resolves with frequent feeds and milk removal, allowing the baby to latch.
3. Jaundice
Scenario:
A 5-day-old infant presents with mild jaundice and is feeding every 3–4 hours.
Question:
CLC priority recommendation?
A. Delay feeds
B. Phototherapy immediately
C. Encourage on-demand breastfeeding
D. Introduce formula
Explanation:
Frequent feeding prevents dehydration and supports bilirubin excretion.
4. Nipple Trauma
Scenario:
Mother reports cracked, painful nipples; latch appears shallow.
Question:
Primary intervention?
A. Topical antibiotics
B. Nipple shields
C. Correct latch and positioning
D. Stop breastfeeding
Explanation:
Pain is usually due to improper latch, not infection.
,5. Maternal Diet
Scenario:
Breastfeeding mother is under-eating and worried about milk supply.
Question:
CLC advice?
A. Stop breastfeeding
B. Encourage balanced nutrition and hydration
C. High-dose vitamins only
D. Use formula exclusively
Explanation:
Adequate maternal intake ensures milk quality and maternal health.
6. Infant Weight Loss
Scenario:
A 4-day-old baby lost 8% of birth weight; mother reports infrequent feeds.
Question:
CLC’s first step?
A. Start formula immediately
B. Assess feeding technique and encourage frequent breastfeeding
C. Limit feeds to every 4 hours
D. Give herbal supplements
Explanation:
Weight loss >7% in early days requires feeding evaluation and support, not automatic formula.
7. Mastitis Prevention
Scenario:
Mother reports breast redness and mild flu-like symptoms.
Question:
Best initial CLC guidance?
, A. Stop breastfeeding
B. Continue frequent feeding, massage, and monitor symptoms
C. Pump and discard milk
D. Take herbal supplements
Explanation:
Early mastitis management includes continued milk removal and monitoring; antibiotics may
be needed if severe.
8. Infant Swallowing Observation
Scenario:
Mother reports frequent feeding but baby seems “hungry” after feeds.
Question:
What indicates effective milk transfer?
A. Short, shallow sucks
B. Audible swallowing and relaxed jaw
C. Constant crying
D. Falling asleep immediately
Explanation:
Audible swallowing shows the infant is receiving milk effectively.
9. Low Milk Supply Concern
Scenario:
Mother reports feeling that her milk is “low” despite frequent feeding.
Question:
CLC intervention?
A. Switch to formula
B. Observe breastfeeding, assess latch, encourage frequent feeds
C. Limit feeding to every 4 hours
D. Take herbal galactagogues immediately
Explanation:
Most perceived low supply is due to inefficient milk transfer; assessment and technique
adjustments are first.
