International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Practice Exam

A Relative Infant Dose (RID) of what percentage indicates compatibility with breastfeeding?

1. Less than 5%

2. Less than 10%

3. Less than 15%

4. Less than 20%

The correct answer is: Less than 10%

A Relative Infant Dose (RID) of less than 10% is significant in the context of breastfeeding because it indicates that the amount of a substance or medication present in breast milk is low enough to be considered compatible with breastfeeding. This threshold suggests that the risk of adverse effects on the breastfeeding infant is minimal, allowing mothers to continue breastfeeding while undergoing medication therapy or after exposure to certain substances without compromising the safety and health of their infants. In clinical practice, understanding the RID helps lactation consultants and healthcare providers evaluate the safety of medications and substances for breastfeeding mothers. An RID under 10% means that the breast milk contains only a small fraction of the maternal dose, which is generally seen as acceptable and aligns with established safety guidelines for breastfeeding. Thus, it reflects sound clinical judgment regarding the balance between maternal health and the safety of the infant during breastfeeding.