IBCLC Practice Exam 2026 – All-in-One Guide to Excelling in Your Lactation Consultant Certification!

The term that accurately describes the development of the mammary gland and related structures within the breast is mammogenesis. This process encompasses the growth and differentiation of the breast tissue, which occurs during various stages of life, including puberty, pregnancy, and lactation.

Mammogenesis involves hormonal influences—particularly from estrogen, progesterone, and other hormones—that drive the formation and maturation of the mammary glands, preparing them for potential milk production. This phase is crucial as it sets the foundation for subsequent stages of lactation.

In contrast, galactopoiesis refers to the maintenance of milk production after it has been established, typically occurring after lactogenesis has taken place. Lactogenesis specifically refers to the initiation of milk production, which happens in two stages during late pregnancy and after childbirth. Colostrum formation describes the production of the first milk, which is rich in antibodies and nutrients, and is not synonymous with the broader developmental process of the mammary gland itself.