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

When stimulated, the nipple typically doubles in length. This physiological response is crucial as it facilitates effective breastfeeding. Nipple elongation occurs due to hormonal changes, increased blood flow, and fluid accumulation in the surrounding tissues. The increased length aids in the infant's ability to latch on properly, ensuring that they can effectively extract milk during feeding. This function is an important aspect of breastfeeding anatomy and physiology, and understanding it helps lactation consultants provide better support to nursing mothers.

Additionally, this doubling of length can influence the baby's ability to create the necessary suction for milk transfer, ensuring that feeding is more efficient and comfortable for both the mother and the baby.