IBCLC study plan

Label the gross and internal anatomy of the breast and ductal/alveolar system from a blank diagram

Sequence the three stages of lactogenesis and name the hormonal trigger for each stage

Explain the roles of prolactin, oxytocin, progesterone withdrawal, and feedback inhibitor of lactation in establishing and maintaining supply

Compare colostrum, transitional milk, and mature milk on volume, protein, carbohydrate, fat, and immunologic content

Describe the ontogeny of infant suck-swallow-breathe coordination and how gestational age at birth alters it

Differentiate insufficient glandular tissue from simple low supply using history and visual breast assessment findings

Identify endocrine conditions that impair milk production (thyroid disorders, PCOS, retained placenta, diabetes) and state the feeding implication of each

Explain the physiologic basis of engorgement, milk stasis, and inflammatory versus infectious mastitis

Classify at least 12 maternal breast and nipple conditions by presentation, usual course, and first-line management

Contrast infant conditions that alter feeding mechanics or tolerance (cleft lip/palate, ankyloglossia, prematurity, jaundice, hypoglycemia, reflux, cow's milk protein allergy)

Distinguish findings that require urgent referral from those managed in the lactation visit

Explain how prematurity, low birth weight, and illness change feeding volume, frequency, and monitoring

Calculate relative infant dose from maternal dose, infant weight, and milk intake, and interpret whether the result is reassuring

Rank common medication classes by amount transferred into milk and by infant risk

List drugs and substances considered contraindicated or requiring cessation during lactation and justify each

Evaluate the evidence base for commonly used galactagogues and for non-pharmacologic supply support

Explain informed consent and shared decision-making as applied to a feeding plan disagreement

Describe screening and referral pathways for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and explain their effect on feeding

Apply cultural humility and family-systems thinking to three different family scenarios

Design a teaching session using teach-back and health-literacy principles for a parent with limited reading comfort

Sequence the key elements of positioning and attachment, and name what each element looks like when it is working

Demonstrate the steps of hand expression in the correct order and state when it is preferred over a pump

Compare pump types, flange sizing, and pumping schedules by indication

Explain and sequence alternative feeding methods (cup, spoon, syringe, supplemental nursing system, paced bottle)

Conduct a structured breastfeeding history covering prenatal, birth, current feeding, and maternal and infant factors

Perform an oral examination sequence on an infant and document structural and functional findings

Interpret test weights, weighted feeds, and serial growth measurements to estimate intake adequacy

Write problem-oriented SOAP notes with prioritized interventions and referral criteria

Complete one timed 100-question mixed-domain practice exam under test conditions

Group every missed item by domain and by error type (knowledge gap, misread, reasoning error)

Re-study the two weakest domains using targeted drills rather than full re-reading

Consolidate a one-page referral criteria sheet covering maternal, infant, and pharmacologic red flags