IBCLC Trivia 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary hormone responsible for milk PRODUCTION (synthesis) in the mammary glands?
- Oxytocin
- Progesterone
- Prolactin (Correct answer)
- Estrogen
Correct answer: Prolactin
Prolactin, secreted by the anterior pituitary in response to nipple stimulation, drives milk synthesis in the alveolar cells.
Question 2: In the context of IBCLC practice, what does 'FIL' stand for?
- Formula-Induced Lactation
- Feedback Inhibitor of Lactation (Correct answer)
- Frenulum Interference in Latching
- Functional Infant Latch
Correct answer: Feedback Inhibitor of Lactation
Feedback Inhibitor of Lactation (FIL) is a whey protein in breast milk that locally suppresses milk production when milk accumulates and is not removed.
Question 3: A nursing parent develops a red, wedge-shaped area of breast tenderness with fever and flu-like symptoms. The MOST appropriate first step is:
- Immediately stop breastfeeding on the affected side
- Continue frequent milk removal and contact a healthcare provider for evaluation (Correct answer)
- Apply ice packs and wait 48 hours before seeking care
- Apply heat only and take antihistamines
Correct answer: Continue frequent milk removal and contact a healthcare provider for evaluation
Continuing to remove milk from the affected breast and seeking prompt medical evaluation is critical — stopping breastfeeding can worsen mastitis and risk abscess formation.
Question 4: Which of the following is a true statement about the storage of freshly expressed breast milk at room temperature (~77°F/25°C)?
- It is safe for up to 1 hour only
- It is safe for up to 4 hours (Correct answer)
- It is safe for up to 12 hours
- It must be refrigerated immediately and cannot be stored at room temperature
Correct answer: It is safe for up to 4 hours
According to CDC guidelines, freshly expressed breast milk can safely be stored at room temperature (up to 77°F/25°C) for up to 4 hours.
Question 5: Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) primarily affects breastfeeding by:
- Blocking saliva production and causing dry mouth
- Restricting tongue elevation and extension, impairing latch and milk transfer (Correct answer)
- Causing overproduction of milk in the mother
- Preventing the rooting reflex from developing
Correct answer: Restricting tongue elevation and extension, impairing latch and milk transfer
A tight or short lingual frenulum restricts tongue mobility, preventing adequate breast compression and effective milk transfer, often causing nipple pain and poor weight gain.
Question 6: The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) was launched jointly by which two organizations?
- CDC and AAP
- ILCA and IBLCE
- WHO and UNICEF (Correct answer)
- La Leche League and USDA
Correct answer: WHO and UNICEF
BFHI was launched in 1991 by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to promote breastfeeding-supportive maternity practices.
Question 7: Which of the following best describes 'cluster feeding'?
- Feeding an infant on a strict 3-hour schedule
- Multiple short, frequent feedings close together, often in the evening (Correct answer)
- Feeding twins simultaneously at the breast
- Offering supplemental formula after each breastfeeding session
Correct answer: Multiple short, frequent feedings close together, often in the evening
Cluster feeding describes a pattern where infants nurse very frequently over a compressed period (often 1–3 hours in the evening), which is normal and helps boost milk supply.
IBCLC Trivia 4
What is the primary hormone responsible for milk PRODUCTION (synthesis) in the mammary glands?