IBCLC flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Lactogenesis II timing

Copious milk onset 24–72 hours postpartum, triggered by progesterone withdrawal and prolactin; marked by breast fullness and increased milk volume.

Mammary ridge

Embryonic ectodermal thickening along milk lines at about week 6; gives rise to mammary glands; development is hormone-independent until puberty.

Newborn stomach capacity

Term newborn holds about 5–7 mL on day 1, 20–30 mL by day 3, and 45–60 mL by day 7; small volumes explain frequent feeding.

Secretory differentiation

Lactogenesis I, occurring mid-to-late pregnancy; alveolar cells become competent to secrete milk components, producing colostrum.

Prolactin

Anterior pituitary hormone; suckling inhibits dopamine and raises prolactin, promoting milk synthesis; levels are higher at night.

Oxytocin

Posterior pituitary hormone causing myoepithelial contraction and milk ejection; release can be conditioned and is inhibited by stress or pain.

Feedback inhibitor of lactation

Whey protein in milk that locally suppresses milk synthesis when milk accumulates; frequent removal lowers FIL and sustains output.

Progesterone withdrawal

Delivery of the placenta removes progesterone, releasing prolactin's lactogenic effect and triggering lactogenesis II.

Mastitis

Breast inflammation often with S. aureus infection; presents with pain, redness, fever; milk removal should continue and antibiotics used if systemic signs.

Ankyloglossia

Tongue-tie with restricted lingual mobility; diagnosis is functional-assess latch, tongue elevation, and cupping rather than appearance alone.

Galactosemia

Inherited galactose metabolism disorder; breast milk is contraindicated; infant requires galactose-free formula and lifelong dietary management.

Sheehan syndrome

Postpartum pituitary necrosis from severe hemorrhage; reduces prolactin and oxytocin, causing insufficient milk production and amenorrhea.

Relative infant dose

Infant dose divided by maternal weight-adjusted dose; values below 10% are generally considered compatible with breastfeeding.

Milk-to-plasma ratio

Ratio of drug concentration in milk to maternal plasma; a low ratio suggests less drug transfer, but infant clearance also matters.

Codeine in breastfeeding

Prodrug metabolized by CYP2D6 to morphine; ultrarapid metabolizers may expose infants to unsafe morphine; avoid during breastfeeding.

Alcohol and lactation

Alcohol passes into milk; no safe amount is established; waiting about 2 hours per drink reduces infant exposure; pumping does not accelerate clearance.

Breastfeeding self-efficacy

A mother's confidence in her ability to breastfeed; higher scores predict longer duration and exclusivity and are modifiable through support.

Postpartum depression

Depressive symptoms after birth that can impair breastfeeding; screening with the EPDS and treatment support are recommended.

Skin-to-skin contact

Placing the naked infant on the parent's chest; supports thermoregulation, glucose stability, and earlier breastfeeding initiation.

WHO Code

International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes (1981); restricts promotion of breast-milk substitutes, bottles, and teats.

Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative

WHO/UNICEF program based on the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding; improves initiation and exclusivity through facility practices.

Lactation accommodation

Workplace policies providing break time and private space to express milk; associated with longer breastfeeding duration.

Teach-back method

Asking the learner to explain or demonstrate information in their own words; identifies misunderstanding and confirms comprehension.

Cultural humility

A lifelong process of self-reflection and openness to others' cultural identities; reduces bias in lactation care.

Motivational interviewing

Person-centered counseling using open questions, affirmation, reflection, and summarization to strengthen intrinsic motivation for behavior change.

Asymmetric latch

Infant's chin contacts breast first, nose clear, wide gape, more areola visible above than below; supports effective milk transfer.

Reverse pressure softening

Technique that pushes edema away from the nipple base with gentle fingertip pressure, allowing a deep latch in engorgement.

Paced bottle feeding

Upright feeding with slow-flow nipple, pauses, and responsivity to cues; reduces overfeeding and supports breastfeeding.

Flange sizing

Breast pump flange should allow nipple to move freely without rubbing; typical sizes 21–27 mm; wrong size reduces output and causes pain.

LATCH score

0–10 assessment of latch, audible swallowing, nipple type, comfort, and hold; lower scores indicate need for intervention.

Newborn weight loss

Loss up to 7–10% of birth weight by days 3–5 is common; greater loss or failure to regain by 2 weeks warrants evaluation.

Test weighing

Weighing infant before and after feeding on a sensitive scale; difference estimates milk intake but is affected by scale precision and infant activity.