IBCLC Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Guide to Excelling in Your Lactation Consultant Certification!

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Question: 1 / 435

At approximately how many weeks gestation does colostrum production begin?

14 weeks

16 weeks

Colostrum production begins around 16 weeks of gestation, which marks an important stage in prenatal development. During this time, the breast tissue undergoes significant changes due to hormonal influences, specifically from estrogen and progesterone, which prepare the breasts for lactation. Colostrum is the first form of milk produced by the mammary glands, rich in antibodies and nutrients, essential for the newborn's immune system and initial feeding.

Understanding the timing of colostrum production is key for lactation consultants when providing guidance and support to expectant mothers. Recognizing the early signs of lactation can help assess and address any concerns related to breastfeeding and the mother's readiness for feeding after delivery. This knowledge is essential not only for the health of the newborn but also for fostering the maternal-infant bond through early skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding.

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18 weeks

20 weeks

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