IBCLC EXAM 2026 WITH QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
What is coopers ligament ? - ANSWER-Suspensory ligament running vertically
through the breast that are responsible for maintaining the shape and
configuration of the breast. They bear a major portion of the task of preventing
breast ptosis (sagging)
What supplies 60% of the blood to the breast? - ANSWER-Internal mammary
artery
What supplies 30% of the blood to the breast? - ANSWER-Lateral thoracic
artery
Where does fluid from the breast drain? - ANSWER-Axillary lymph nodes
Where do the breast innervation's derive from? - ANSWER-4th, 5th, and 6th
intercostal nerve
What nerve penetrates the posterior aspect and supplies the greatest amount of
sensation to the nipple? - ANSWER-4th intercostal nerve
What is Hypermastia? - ANSWER-Breast enlargement
What is Hypomastia? - ANSWER-Abnormally small breasts
What is Hyperoplasia? - ANSWER-Over developed breasts
,What is Hypoplasia? - ANSWER-Underdeveloped breasts (IGT)
What is breast milk jaundice? - ANSWER-Infants who have breastmilk
jaundice are healthy breastfed infants who have no pathological cause for
indirect hyperbilirubinemia. They are breast feeding effectively, have good
weight gain, and no other signs and symptoms of illness
How to test for breast milk jaundice? - ANSWER-Bilirubin levels go down with
formula
Do we want mom to stop breastfeeding if baby has breast milk jaundice? -
ANSWER-No, jaundice usually goes away over 3-12 weeks
Low thyroid levels in mom have been associated with - ANSWER-Low milk
supply
Raynaud's is present in about 30% of women with what - ANSWER-Lupas
What is Raynaud's of the nipple? - ANSWER-Narrowing of the blood vessels
Raynaud's of the nipple get's worse when the temp is - ANSWER-Cold
Raunaud's of the nipple can cause __________ of the nipple - ANSWER-
Blanching
How does an infant cause nipple spasms? - ANSWER-Biting, jaw clenching, or
chewing the nipple
,Reducing ____ and ____ can help with nipple spasms - ANSWER-Cold and
caffeine
How to get relief with Raunaud's - ANSWER-Warm compress
What can cause low milk supply? - ANSWER-Ineffective transfer, delayed
onset of lactogenesis II, low prolactin levels, retained placenta, structural breast
issues, hormonal issues, nutrition related issues
What is a galactocele? - ANSWER-Benign cyst in the duct of a breast
containing milk fluid
What causes thrush? - ANSWER-C. albicans
Symptoms of thrush in baby: - ANSWER-White plaque coating of the tongue,
cottage cheesy looking substance in the mouth, fiery red diaper rash caused by
the yeast
Symptoms of thrush in mom: - ANSWER-Burning, itching, and stinging pain in
the nipple that persists between feedings and pain doesn't get better with
position, burning or shooting pain in the breast, and pain during let down
Warm, moist places are the perfect place for what? - ANSWER-Thrush
How to help manage vasospasms - ANSWER-Initate MER before bringing
baby to the breast, feed baby on less tender side first, ensure correct position,
use warm compress, avoid cold air, avoid substance that induce vasoconstriction
like nicotine and caffeine, use pain reliever
What vitamin/supplement can help with vasospasms? - ANSWER-B6, calcium,
magnesium
, What is pre-eclampsia? - ANSWER-A progression to higher blood pressure,
increased protein in the urine, and decreased urine output
What can preeclampsia turn into? - ANSWER-HELLP syndrome
What does HELLP syndrome stand for? - ANSWER-H(intravascular
hemolysis) EL(elevated liver enzymes) LP(low platelets)
What happens to moms who develop HELLP syndrome? - ANSWER-They
develop thick blood clots and need intimidate medical attention
What causes Sheehan's Syndrome? - ANSWER-Severe postpartum hemorrhage
and hyoptension usually from DIC (blood clots)
What isn't secreted if mom has Sheehan's syndrome? - ANSWER-Prolactin-so
supply could be effected
How do you diagnosis a retained placenta? - ANSWER-Mom bleeds A LOT
What can a retained placenta delay? - ANSWER-Lactogenesis II because
hormones don't get released
Symptoms of retined placenta: - ANSWER-Moms breasts don't feel full by day
5, colostrum stage that persists beyond day 4, bright red vaginal bleeding that
continues to be heavy after day 3, uterus might be painful to palpate
What hormone can decrease your supply - ANSWER-Estrogen
Does THC from marijuana get absorbed in BM? - ANSWER-Yes
ANSWERS
What is coopers ligament ? - ANSWER-Suspensory ligament running vertically
through the breast that are responsible for maintaining the shape and
configuration of the breast. They bear a major portion of the task of preventing
breast ptosis (sagging)
What supplies 60% of the blood to the breast? - ANSWER-Internal mammary
artery
What supplies 30% of the blood to the breast? - ANSWER-Lateral thoracic
artery
Where does fluid from the breast drain? - ANSWER-Axillary lymph nodes
Where do the breast innervation's derive from? - ANSWER-4th, 5th, and 6th
intercostal nerve
What nerve penetrates the posterior aspect and supplies the greatest amount of
sensation to the nipple? - ANSWER-4th intercostal nerve
What is Hypermastia? - ANSWER-Breast enlargement
What is Hypomastia? - ANSWER-Abnormally small breasts
What is Hyperoplasia? - ANSWER-Over developed breasts
,What is Hypoplasia? - ANSWER-Underdeveloped breasts (IGT)
What is breast milk jaundice? - ANSWER-Infants who have breastmilk
jaundice are healthy breastfed infants who have no pathological cause for
indirect hyperbilirubinemia. They are breast feeding effectively, have good
weight gain, and no other signs and symptoms of illness
How to test for breast milk jaundice? - ANSWER-Bilirubin levels go down with
formula
Do we want mom to stop breastfeeding if baby has breast milk jaundice? -
ANSWER-No, jaundice usually goes away over 3-12 weeks
Low thyroid levels in mom have been associated with - ANSWER-Low milk
supply
Raynaud's is present in about 30% of women with what - ANSWER-Lupas
What is Raynaud's of the nipple? - ANSWER-Narrowing of the blood vessels
Raynaud's of the nipple get's worse when the temp is - ANSWER-Cold
Raunaud's of the nipple can cause __________ of the nipple - ANSWER-
Blanching
How does an infant cause nipple spasms? - ANSWER-Biting, jaw clenching, or
chewing the nipple
,Reducing ____ and ____ can help with nipple spasms - ANSWER-Cold and
caffeine
How to get relief with Raunaud's - ANSWER-Warm compress
What can cause low milk supply? - ANSWER-Ineffective transfer, delayed
onset of lactogenesis II, low prolactin levels, retained placenta, structural breast
issues, hormonal issues, nutrition related issues
What is a galactocele? - ANSWER-Benign cyst in the duct of a breast
containing milk fluid
What causes thrush? - ANSWER-C. albicans
Symptoms of thrush in baby: - ANSWER-White plaque coating of the tongue,
cottage cheesy looking substance in the mouth, fiery red diaper rash caused by
the yeast
Symptoms of thrush in mom: - ANSWER-Burning, itching, and stinging pain in
the nipple that persists between feedings and pain doesn't get better with
position, burning or shooting pain in the breast, and pain during let down
Warm, moist places are the perfect place for what? - ANSWER-Thrush
How to help manage vasospasms - ANSWER-Initate MER before bringing
baby to the breast, feed baby on less tender side first, ensure correct position,
use warm compress, avoid cold air, avoid substance that induce vasoconstriction
like nicotine and caffeine, use pain reliever
What vitamin/supplement can help with vasospasms? - ANSWER-B6, calcium,
magnesium
, What is pre-eclampsia? - ANSWER-A progression to higher blood pressure,
increased protein in the urine, and decreased urine output
What can preeclampsia turn into? - ANSWER-HELLP syndrome
What does HELLP syndrome stand for? - ANSWER-H(intravascular
hemolysis) EL(elevated liver enzymes) LP(low platelets)
What happens to moms who develop HELLP syndrome? - ANSWER-They
develop thick blood clots and need intimidate medical attention
What causes Sheehan's Syndrome? - ANSWER-Severe postpartum hemorrhage
and hyoptension usually from DIC (blood clots)
What isn't secreted if mom has Sheehan's syndrome? - ANSWER-Prolactin-so
supply could be effected
How do you diagnosis a retained placenta? - ANSWER-Mom bleeds A LOT
What can a retained placenta delay? - ANSWER-Lactogenesis II because
hormones don't get released
Symptoms of retined placenta: - ANSWER-Moms breasts don't feel full by day
5, colostrum stage that persists beyond day 4, bright red vaginal bleeding that
continues to be heavy after day 3, uterus might be painful to palpate
What hormone can decrease your supply - ANSWER-Estrogen
Does THC from marijuana get absorbed in BM? - ANSWER-Yes
