Fall Semester 2025 | Certified Lactation Consultant Course | Verified Exam Practice Questions with Correct Answers & Detailed Rationales | Updated 2025/2026 Edition | Complete Lactation Management and Maternal Health Study Guide

Fall SemeSter 2025 | CertiFied laCtation
ConSultant CourSe | VeriFied exam PraCtiCe
QueStionS with CorreCt anSwerS & detailed
rationaleS | uPdated 2025/2026 edition |
ComPlete laCtation management and
maternal health Study guide

Question 1:
What is the primary purpose of lactation?
A. To provide nutrition for infants
B. To supply essential nutrients and antibodies to support infant health
C. To promote maternal weight loss
D. To facilitate bonding
Correct answer: B. To supply essential nutrients and antibodies to support infant
health
Rationale: Breast milk contains vital nutrients and immune factors that protect infants
from infections and promote healthy growth.


Question 2:
What hormone is primarily responsible for milk ejection during breastfeeding?
A. Estrogen
B. Oxytocin
C. Progesterone
D. Prolactin
Correct answer: B. Oxytocin
Rationale: Oxytocin triggers the milk let-down reflex, allowing milk to flow from the
mammary glands to the nipple.


Question 3:
What is "supply and demand" in the context of breastfeeding?
A. The need for mothers to pump milk
B. The principle that milk production increases with more frequent breastfeeding or
pumping
C. The recommendation for formula supplementation
D. A method for storing breast milk
Correct answer: B. The principle that milk production increases with more frequent
breastfeeding or pumping
Rationale: The more milk that is removed, the more milk the body produces, helping to
establish and maintain supply.

,Question 4:
What is colostrum?
A. The first milk produced after weaning
B. The first milk produced after delivery, rich in antibodies
C. A type of formula
D. Milk produced after six months
Correct answer: B. The first milk produced after delivery, rich in antibodies
Rationale: Colostrum is the initial milk that provides essential nutrients and immunity
to the newborn.


Question 5:
What is the recommended duration for exclusive breastfeeding?
A. 3 months
B. 6 months
C. 6 months
D. 12 months
Correct answer: C. 6 months
Rationale: The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the
first six months for optimal infant health.


Question 6:
What is "cluster feeding"?
A. Feeding at regular intervals
B. Frequent feeding sessions in a short period
C. Feeding only during the night
D. Feeding every two hours
Correct answer: B. Frequent feeding sessions in a short period
Rationale: Cluster feeding often occurs during growth spurts when infants may feed
more frequently for a few hours.


Question 7:
What is the primary role of prolactin in lactation?
A. To stimulate milk ejection
B. To stimulate milk production
C. To promote bonding
D. To regulate menstrual cycles

,Correct answer: B. To stimulate milk production
Rationale: Prolactin is the hormone that promotes the synthesis of milk in the
mammary glands.


Question 8:
What is a common sign that an infant is hungry?
A. Crying loudly
B. Rooting reflex
C. Sleeping soundly
D. Turning away from the breast
Correct answer: B. Rooting reflex
Rationale: The rooting reflex, where infants turn their heads and open their mouths in
response to cheek stimulation, indicates hunger.


Question 9:
What is the primary benefit of breastfeeding for mothers?
A. Increased risk of breast cancer
B. Improved postpartum recovery and reduced risk of certain diseases
C. Weight gain
D. Increased menstrual flow
Correct answer: B. Improved postpartum recovery and reduced risk of certain
diseases
Rationale: Breastfeeding has several health benefits for mothers, including lower risks
of certain cancers and quicker recovery postpartum.


Question 10:
What is "breastfeeding on demand"?
A. Scheduled feedings
B. Feeding whenever the infant shows signs of hunger
C. Only feeding at night
D. Pumping milk for storage
Correct answer: B. Feeding whenever the infant shows signs of hunger
Rationale: Breastfeeding on demand allows infants to regulate their intake based on
their own hunger cues.


Question 11:
What is the best position for breastfeeding?
A. Standing

, B. Any comfortable position that allows the baby to latch well
C. Lying flat on the back
D. Sitting with poor posture
Correct answer: B. Any comfortable position that allows the baby to latch well
Rationale: The best breastfeeding position is one that facilitates a good latch and
comfort for both mother and baby.


Question 12:
What is the typical frequency of breastfeeding for newborns?
A. Every 4-6 hours
B. Every 2-3 hours
C. Once a day
D. Every hour
Correct answer: B. Every 2-3 hours
Rationale: Newborns typically feed every 2-3 hours to ensure adequate nutrition and
hydration.


Question 13:
What is a common reason for low milk supply?
A. Frequent breastfeeding
B. Infrequent breastfeeding or pumping
C. Proper hydration
D. High-calorie diet
Correct answer: B. Infrequent breastfeeding or pumping
Rationale: Infrequent removal of milk can signal the body to produce less milk, leading
to low supply.


Question 14:
What is the primary nutritional component of breast milk?
A. Protein
B. Fat
C. Carbohydrates
D. Fiber
Correct answer: B. Fat
Rationale: Fat is the main energy source in breast milk and is crucial for infant growth
and brain development.