,Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) Exam 2026 | Questions &
Verified Answers | Latest Update | Graded A+
Question 1
Which hormone is primarily responsible for the milk ejection
reflex (let-down reflex) during breastfeeding?
• A) Progesterone
• B) Estrogen
• C) Prolactin
• D) Oxytocin
• Correct Answer: D
• Rationale: Oxytocin triggers the contraction of
myoepithelial cells surrounding the alveoli, causing milk to
be squeezed into the ducts for ejection.
Question 2
What is the primary source of energy in mature human milk?
• A) Protein
• B) Lactose
• C) Fat
• D) Oligosaccharides
• Correct Answer: C
, • Rationale: Triglycerides and other lipids make up the bulk
of the caloric density in mature human milk, serving as the
primary energy source for the growing infant.
Question 3
Which ofpropertyPath the following conditions represents an
absolute infant contraindication to breastfeeding?
• A) Maternal Hepatitis B infection
• B) Maternal cytomegalovirus (CMV)
• C) Infant diagnosis of classic galactosemia
• D) Mild maternal mastitis
• Correct Answer: C
• Rationale: Infants with classic galactosemia lack the
enzyme needed to metabolize galactose, making human
milk (which contains lactose) strictly contraindicated.
Question 4
By what postnatal age should a healthy, full-term infant
typically regain their birth weight?
• A) 3 to 5 days
• B) 7 to 10 days
• C) 10 to 14 days
• D) 21 days
, • Correct Answer: C
• Rationale: While infants may experience an initial
physiological weight loss of up to 7%, they are expected to
regain their birth weight by 10 to 14 days postpartum.
Question 5
A postpartum mother presents on day 4 with severe, painful,
cracked nipples. What is the most likely underlying cause?
• A) Oversupply of breast milk
• B) Suboptimal infant latch and positioning
• C) Infant oral thrush
• D) Raynaud’s phenomenon of the nipple
• Correct Answer: B
• Rationale: Incorrect positioning and shallow latching place
excessive friction and pressure on the delicate nipple
tissue, leading to trauma, pain, and fissures.
Question 6
What does Step 4 of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative
(BFHI) require hospitals to implement?
• A) Immediate supplementation with donor milk if weight
loss exceeds 5%
Verified Answers | Latest Update | Graded A+
Question 1
Which hormone is primarily responsible for the milk ejection
reflex (let-down reflex) during breastfeeding?
• A) Progesterone
• B) Estrogen
• C) Prolactin
• D) Oxytocin
• Correct Answer: D
• Rationale: Oxytocin triggers the contraction of
myoepithelial cells surrounding the alveoli, causing milk to
be squeezed into the ducts for ejection.
Question 2
What is the primary source of energy in mature human milk?
• A) Protein
• B) Lactose
• C) Fat
• D) Oligosaccharides
• Correct Answer: C
, • Rationale: Triglycerides and other lipids make up the bulk
of the caloric density in mature human milk, serving as the
primary energy source for the growing infant.
Question 3
Which ofpropertyPath the following conditions represents an
absolute infant contraindication to breastfeeding?
• A) Maternal Hepatitis B infection
• B) Maternal cytomegalovirus (CMV)
• C) Infant diagnosis of classic galactosemia
• D) Mild maternal mastitis
• Correct Answer: C
• Rationale: Infants with classic galactosemia lack the
enzyme needed to metabolize galactose, making human
milk (which contains lactose) strictly contraindicated.
Question 4
By what postnatal age should a healthy, full-term infant
typically regain their birth weight?
• A) 3 to 5 days
• B) 7 to 10 days
• C) 10 to 14 days
• D) 21 days
, • Correct Answer: C
• Rationale: While infants may experience an initial
physiological weight loss of up to 7%, they are expected to
regain their birth weight by 10 to 14 days postpartum.
Question 5
A postpartum mother presents on day 4 with severe, painful,
cracked nipples. What is the most likely underlying cause?
• A) Oversupply of breast milk
• B) Suboptimal infant latch and positioning
• C) Infant oral thrush
• D) Raynaud’s phenomenon of the nipple
• Correct Answer: B
• Rationale: Incorrect positioning and shallow latching place
excessive friction and pressure on the delicate nipple
tissue, leading to trauma, pain, and fissures.
Question 6
What does Step 4 of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative
(BFHI) require hospitals to implement?
• A) Immediate supplementation with donor milk if weight
loss exceeds 5%
