Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) Practice Exam
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS
PLUS RATIONALES 2026 (VERIFIED ANSWERS)
1. Which hormone is primarily responsible for milk ejection (let-down reflex)?
A. Prolactin
B. Estrogen
C. Oxytocin
D. Progesterone
Correct Answer: C. Oxytocin
Rationale: Oxytocin causes the myoepithelial cells surrounding the alveoli to
contract, resulting in the ejection of milk into the ducts.
2. What is colostrum?
A. Formula supplement
B. Transitional milk
C. The first milk produced after weaning
,D. The early milk rich in antibodies and proteins
Correct Answer: D. The early milk rich in antibodies and proteins
Rationale: Colostrum is produced in small amounts during the first few days after
birth and contains high levels of immunoglobulins, especially IgA.
3. A poor latch may result in which of the following?
A. Increased milk production
B. Maternal nipple pain
C. Shorter feeding sessions
D. Less frequent stools
Correct Answer: B. Maternal nipple pain
Rationale: Poor latch can lead to nipple trauma and inefficient milk transfer,
causing pain and potentially decreasing milk supply.
4. What is the primary benefit of skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth?
A. Allows time for newborn testing
B. Promotes bonding and thermoregulation
C. Stimulates formula interest
D. Reduces bilirubin
Correct Answer: B. Promotes bonding and thermoregulation
Rationale: Skin-to-skin contact helps regulate the newborn's temperature, heart
rate, and breathing, and supports early breastfeeding behaviors.
,5. Which of the following is a sign of effective breastfeeding in the first few days
of life?
A. One wet diaper per day
B. Newborn sleeping more than 5 hours per stretch
C. Audible swallowing during feeds
D. Lack of stooling for 48 hours
Correct Answer: C. Audible swallowing during feeds
Rationale: Audible swallowing indicates milk transfer. Other signs include
frequent feeding, adequate wet/dirty diapers, and contentment after feeding.
6. What is the role of prolactin in lactation?
A. Stimulates uterine contractions
B. Maintains milk supply through nipple stimulation
C. Inhibits milk ejection
D. Prevents ovulation
Correct Answer: B. Maintains milk supply through nipple stimulation
Rationale: Prolactin is released in response to suckling and stimulates milk
production in the alveoli.
7. What is a recommended position for a mother with flat nipples to
breastfeed?
A. Cradle hold
B. Football hold
C. Upright bottle feeding
, D. Side-lying
Correct Answer: B. Football hold
Rationale: Football hold allows better visibility and control of latch, especially
helpful for flat or inverted nipples.
8. How often should a newborn feed in the first 24–48 hours of life?
A. Every 6–8 hours
B. Only when crying
C. At least 8–12 times per 24 hours
D. Once per shift
Correct Answer: C. At least 8–12 times per 24 hours
Rationale: Frequent feeding supports milk production and ensures adequate
caloric and fluid intake for the newborn.
9. Which of the following is true regarding mastitis?
A. It always requires surgical drainage
B. It can be caused by milk stasis and bacterial infection
C. It resolves without treatment in all cases
D. Breastfeeding should be stopped
Correct Answer: B. It can be caused by milk stasis and bacterial infection
Rationale: Mastitis is often due to incomplete milk drainage and may involve
infection. Continued breastfeeding is encouraged.
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS
PLUS RATIONALES 2026 (VERIFIED ANSWERS)
1. Which hormone is primarily responsible for milk ejection (let-down reflex)?
A. Prolactin
B. Estrogen
C. Oxytocin
D. Progesterone
Correct Answer: C. Oxytocin
Rationale: Oxytocin causes the myoepithelial cells surrounding the alveoli to
contract, resulting in the ejection of milk into the ducts.
2. What is colostrum?
A. Formula supplement
B. Transitional milk
C. The first milk produced after weaning
,D. The early milk rich in antibodies and proteins
Correct Answer: D. The early milk rich in antibodies and proteins
Rationale: Colostrum is produced in small amounts during the first few days after
birth and contains high levels of immunoglobulins, especially IgA.
3. A poor latch may result in which of the following?
A. Increased milk production
B. Maternal nipple pain
C. Shorter feeding sessions
D. Less frequent stools
Correct Answer: B. Maternal nipple pain
Rationale: Poor latch can lead to nipple trauma and inefficient milk transfer,
causing pain and potentially decreasing milk supply.
4. What is the primary benefit of skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth?
A. Allows time for newborn testing
B. Promotes bonding and thermoregulation
C. Stimulates formula interest
D. Reduces bilirubin
Correct Answer: B. Promotes bonding and thermoregulation
Rationale: Skin-to-skin contact helps regulate the newborn's temperature, heart
rate, and breathing, and supports early breastfeeding behaviors.
,5. Which of the following is a sign of effective breastfeeding in the first few days
of life?
A. One wet diaper per day
B. Newborn sleeping more than 5 hours per stretch
C. Audible swallowing during feeds
D. Lack of stooling for 48 hours
Correct Answer: C. Audible swallowing during feeds
Rationale: Audible swallowing indicates milk transfer. Other signs include
frequent feeding, adequate wet/dirty diapers, and contentment after feeding.
6. What is the role of prolactin in lactation?
A. Stimulates uterine contractions
B. Maintains milk supply through nipple stimulation
C. Inhibits milk ejection
D. Prevents ovulation
Correct Answer: B. Maintains milk supply through nipple stimulation
Rationale: Prolactin is released in response to suckling and stimulates milk
production in the alveoli.
7. What is a recommended position for a mother with flat nipples to
breastfeed?
A. Cradle hold
B. Football hold
C. Upright bottle feeding
, D. Side-lying
Correct Answer: B. Football hold
Rationale: Football hold allows better visibility and control of latch, especially
helpful for flat or inverted nipples.
8. How often should a newborn feed in the first 24–48 hours of life?
A. Every 6–8 hours
B. Only when crying
C. At least 8–12 times per 24 hours
D. Once per shift
Correct Answer: C. At least 8–12 times per 24 hours
Rationale: Frequent feeding supports milk production and ensures adequate
caloric and fluid intake for the newborn.
9. Which of the following is true regarding mastitis?
A. It always requires surgical drainage
B. It can be caused by milk stasis and bacterial infection
C. It resolves without treatment in all cases
D. Breastfeeding should be stopped
Correct Answer: B. It can be caused by milk stasis and bacterial infection
Rationale: Mastitis is often due to incomplete milk drainage and may involve
infection. Continued breastfeeding is encouraged.
