BLNST study plan

Map the gross anatomy of the mammary gland - lobules, ducts, ampullae, nipple, areola, Montgomery glands, suspensory ligaments - and draw a labeled diagram from memory

Trace the endocrine sequence of lactogenesis I and II, naming the hormones, their source, and the timing of each transition

Explain the milk ejection reflex arc from nipple mechanoreceptor to oxytocin release and myoepithelial contraction, including inhibitors of let-down

Compare colostrum, transitional milk, and mature milk in volume, energy density, protein, immunoglobulin, and oligosaccharide content

Describe infant oral anatomy (tongue, palate, jaw, fat pads) and the swallow–breathe–suck coordination sequence in the newborn

Demonstrate and document the four breastfeeding positions and the components of a deep asymmetric latch in a written step-by-step protocol

Calculate expected 24-hour milk intake by infant age and weight, and state normal stool and urine output benchmarks for days 1–5 and beyond

Outline a responsive feeding plan that names early hunger cues, satiety cues, and the recommended feeding frequency in the first weeks

Explain the physiology behind supply-and-demand regulation, including the role of milk removal frequency and glandular emptying

Construct a prenatal breastfeeding education outline covering colostrum, skin-to-skin, rooming-in, and avoidance of unnecessary supplementation

Perform a structured dyad assessment - maternal history, breast and nipple exam, infant oral exam, and observed feed - and write up findings in SOAP format

Classify nipple and breast variants (flat, inverted, retracted, sore, cracked, blanched) and match each to a first-line management step

Evaluate infant weight trajectories using WHO growth standards, distinguishing normal newborn weight loss from excessive loss requiring action

Score and interpret a feeding observation using a validated tool's domains (latch depth, suck pattern, audible swallowing, milk transfer signs)

Draft a differential for poor milk transfer that separates maternal, infant, and dyadic causes

Diagnose and stage engorgement, plugged ducts, and mastitis, and write evidence-based management for each including when to continue feeding

Differentiate inflammatory mastitis from bacterial infection and from abscess, naming the findings that change management

Explain the pathophysiology and management of nipple candidiasis and of vasospasm/Raynaud phenomenon, distinguishing them clinically

Assess low milk supply with a structured approach that rules out insufficient removal, endocrine causes, and anatomic causes before concluding glandular insufficiency

Describe the recognition and immediate referral pathway for neonatal dehydration and hypernatremia in the breastfeeding newborn

Evaluate ankyloglossia using a structured functional assessment and justify whether release is indicated based on feeding function rather than appearance alone

Explain the mechanism and management of hyperlactation and oversupply, including foremilk/hindmilk misconceptions

Plan care for the late-preterm or small-for-gestational-age infant, covering supplementation decisions, paced bottle feeding, and triple feeding logistics

Describe the management of breastfeeding during maternal surgery, hospitalization, and separation, including pumping schedules to preserve supply

Outline the support plan for a parent returning to work, naming pump schedule, storage limits, and workplace accommodation talking points

Apply the principles of relative infant dose and milk-to-plasma ratio to judge whether a maternal medication is compatible with breastfeeding

Classify 20 commonly encountered drug classes (analgesics, antidepressants, antihypertensives, antiepileptics, galactagogues, contraceptives) as compatible, monitor, or avoid, with the reasoning stated

Describe the handling of radiologic contrast, anesthesia, and alcohol or cannabis exposure during lactation

Interpret WHO growth charts and distinguish faltering growth from constitutional small size using serial measurements and velocity

Explain the energy, protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin D requirements of the exclusively and partially breastfed infant, including the rationale for vitamin D supplementation

Apply the IBCLC scope of practice and code of ethics to five written scenarios involving scope limits, referral duty, and conflict of interest

Critique a published lactation study by identifying design, bias risk, confounders, and whether the conclusion is supported

Summarize the key provisions of the WHO Code and subsequent resolutions relevant to a clinician's own practice and to accepting gifts or samples

Explain informed consent, documentation standards, and confidentiality obligations in lactation consultations

Rehearse culturally sensitive counseling for a parent who declines a recommended intervention

Complete two full-length timed practice exams and log every missed item by domain

Re-teach your three weakest topics from source material and rewrite the notes in your own words

Drill 60 rapid-fire recall items on anatomy, hormones, drug compatibility, and growth standards until each is answered without hesitation

Re-read your own week 1–7 deliverables and correct any error you now recognize

Build a one-page pre-exam summary sheet of numbers, thresholds, and referral triggers