IBCLC Exam Study Guide (Terms and
Questions) Complete Guide for Exam Prep
Acinus - ✔✔Any of the small sacs or alveoli that terminate the ducts and are lined with
secretory cells.
Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary. Available online: http://www.merriam-
webster.com/medical/acinus?show=0&t=1296699192
Acrocyanosis - ✔✔Bluish discoloration of the hands and feet in the newborn; peripheral
cyanosis. Should not persist beyond 24 hours after birth.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 863.
Active immunity - ✔✔Immunity conferred by the production of antibodies by one's own
immune system.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 868.
Active transport - ✔✔Passage of drug into breastmilk assisted by components in breastmilk.
Hale & Hartman, 2007. Textbook of Human Lactation, page 470.
Acyclovir/Zovirax - ✔✔Antiviral used to treat herpes infections, L2.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 177.
Aerobic bacteria - ✔✔Bacteria requiring air for metabolic processes. The breast is colonized
with this type of bacteria.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 863.
AGA - ✔✔Appropriate for Gestational Age. Having a birth weight between the 10th and 90th
percentile on intrauterine growth charts.
,Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 671.
Alcohol and breastfeeding - ✔✔Alcohol can decrease milk supply. Breastfeeding must be
interrupted for 1 hour per drink, or until mother is sober.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 171 & 188.
Aldomet/Methyldopa - ✔✔Antihypertensive, L2. Frequently used to treat hypertension
during pregnancy. No concerns reported via breastmilk.
Hale, 2010. Medications and Mother's Milk (14th ed.), page 667.
Allergen - ✔✔A substance that causes an allergic response, such as foods, drugs, inhalants.
Cow's milk is common source for infants.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 863.
Αlphalactalbumin - ✔✔A major protein found in human milk whey. Assists in processing
lactose.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 863.
Alveolar ridge - ✔✔The ridges on the upper and lower jaw where infant's teeth will grow.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 863.
Alveolus, alveoli - ✔✔Secrete and store milk for let down. Surrounded by myoepithelial cells,
contractile cells and connective tissue.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 80.
Amenorrhea - ✔✔A natural phase of infertility that takes place when a mother is exclusively
breastfeeding. Menstruation has not returned.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 707 &865.
,Amoxicillin - ✔✔Antibiotic, L2. Observe for change in intestinal flora, compatible.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 177.
Ampicillin - ✔✔Antibiotic, L1. Observe for change in intestinal flora, compatible.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 177.
Anaphylaxis - ✔✔Hypersensitivity (as to foreign proteins or drugs) resulting from
sensitization following prior contact with the causative agent.
Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary. www.merriam-webster.com/medical/anaphylaxis.
Anchor scar - ✔✔Surgical technique for breast reduction, slang.
Ankyglossia - ✔✔A tongue tie. Characterized by a thick, short, or tight frenulum under the
tongue. Can cause breastfeeding issues, such as a painful latch or inefficient milk transfer.
Anterior pituitary - ✔✔This gland releases prolactin into the blood effecting milk production
and ejection. It is susceptible to stress.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 91.
Anthrax - ✔✔Infectious disease caused by a spore-forming bacterium (Bacillus anthrax),
characterized by external ulcerating nodules or by lesions in the lungs.
Merriam Webster Medical Dictionary. www.merriam-webster.com/medical/anthrax.
Antibody - ✔✔Immunoglobulin formed in response to an antigen, including bacteria and
viruses. Antibodies attack those bacteria or viruses helping the body resist infection.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 863.
Antigen - ✔✔Substance that stimulates antibody production. May be dust, food, or bacteria.
, Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 863.
Apgar score - ✔✔Index to evaluate the condition of a newborn infant based on a rating of 0,
1, or 2 for color, heart rate, reflex response, muscle tone, and respiration with 10 being a
perfect score.
Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary. www.merriam-webster.com/medical/apgar%20score.
Apocrine gland - ✔✔Sweat glands located on the areola that secrete a scent.
Mannel, Martens & Walker, 2008. Core Curriculum for Lactation Consultant Practice (2nd ed.),
page 197-198.
Apoptosis - ✔✔Programmed normal cell death.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 863.
Applied research - ✔✔Research that focuses on solving or finding an answer to a clinical or
practical problem.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 863.
Areola - ✔✔The darker pigmented skin that surrounds the nipple. Contains sebaceous glands
(Montgomery Glands)
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 863.
Aspirin - ✔✔Salicylate analgesic, L3. Use associated with Reye's Syndrome in infants.
Hale, 2010. Medications and Mother's Milk (14th ed.), page 87.
Atopic eczema - ✔✔Inherited allergic tendency to skin rashes or inflammation. Exclusively
breastfed infants are less likely to develop as cow's milk protein is a common allergen.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page 863.