Certified Lactation Support Provider (CLSP) Practice Exam Review

A vocabulary-style flashcard set covering the core curriculum, anatomy, physiology, and clinical protocols for the Certified Lactation Support Provider (CLSP) comprehensive exam.

Mammogenesis

The process of anatomical development and growth of the mammary gland architecture that occurs during puberty and pregnancy.

Lactocytes

Specialized epithelial secretory cells that line the inside walls of the alveolar sacs and are responsible for secreting the components of human milk.

Myoepithelial cells

Smooth-muscle-like cells in the breast that contract under the influence of oxytocin to squeeze milk out of the alveoli and into the ductal system.

Lactogenesis I

The initial endocrine phase of milk development during mid-to-late pregnancy characterized by the differentiation of alveolar cells into secretory cells and the initiation of colostrum production.

Lactogenesis II

The onset of copious milk secretion, triggered by the rapid fall of progesterone levels following the expulsion of the placenta.

Galactopoiesis (Lactogenesis III)

The maintenance phase of lactation where milk production shifts from endocrine (hormone-driven) control to autocrine (local, supply-and-demand) control.

Feedback Inhibitor of Lactation (FIL)

A protein in breast milk that acts locally to slow down milk synthesis when the milk remains unremoved and builds up inside the breast.

Montgomery glands

Glands located in the areola that secrete an oily fluid to lubricate the skin, protect against infection, and release an olfactory scent that guides the newborn to the breast.

Lactose

The principal carbohydrate and sugar molecule found in human breast milk, responsible for drawing water into the cell to create milk volume.

Secretory Immunoglobulin A (sIgA)

An antibody in breast milk that coats the infant's mucosal surfaces, such as the gastrointestinal tract, acting as a protective barrier against pathogens.

Involution

The process of natural cellular degradation and remodeling where mammary tissue returns to a non-pregnant, non-lactating state after weaning is complete.

Rooming-in

A hospital practice within the Baby-Friendly structure where the parent and infant stay together in the same room $24\text{ hours}$ a day to facilitate responsive feeding and bonding.

International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes

A set of global guidelines designed to protect and promote breastfeeding by regulating the marketing and public promotion of infant formula by companies.

Reverse Pressure Softening (RPS)

A technique using gentle finger pressure around the base of the nipple to push interstitial edema back into the breast, softening a tightly engorged areola for easier latching.

Vasospasm (Raynaud's phenomenon of the nipple)

A condition where the nipples turn white, then blue, and throb with intense pain when exposed to cold air, caused by blood vessels constricting.

Galactorrhea

The spontaneous secretion of milk from the breast that is unassociated with childbirth or nursing, often linked to hyperprolactinemia.

Meconium

The thick, black, and tarry first stool passed by a newborn infant within the first $24-48\text{ hours}$ of life.

Exclusive breastfeeding

An infant feeding practice where the child receives only breast milk (including donor or expressed milk) and necessary vitamins or medications, but no other liquids or solid foods.

Tandem nursing

The practice of breastfeeding two or more children of different developmental ages simultaneously, such as a newborn and a toddler.

Induced lactation

The process of stimulating a milk supply in an individual who has not gone through pregnancy or birth, such as an adoptive parent or non-gestational partner.

Relactation

The process of re-establishing a milk supply after it has been completely stopped or significantly down-regulated weeks or months prior.

Asymmetric Latch

A latching technique where the nipple points toward the junction of the hard and soft palate while the infant's lower jaw takes in a large mouthful of breast tissue below the areola.

Paced Bottle Feeding

A method of bottle feeding where the bottle is held horizontally to slow milk flow, allowing the infant to control the pace and mimic the rhythm of breastfeeding.

Autonomy

The ethical principle in lactation counseling that respects the parent's right to make their own informed decisions about how to feed their child.