International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Practice Exam

How is positive pressure created during breastfeeding best described?

1. Suctioning action

2. Compression force

3. Gravity void

4. Fluid dynamics

The correct answer is: Compression force

Positive pressure during breastfeeding is primarily created by the compression force exerted by the baby's jaw and tongue against the breast. When a baby latches onto the breast, it effectively creates a seal and uses a combination of rhythmic compressions and suction to extract milk. The tongue plays a crucial role in this process; as it moves up and down and also compresses the areola, it generates pressure that helps push the milk toward the baby's mouth. This compression is essential because it allows for effective milk transfer, supporting both the baby’s feeding needs and the breastfeeding relationship. The mechanics involved are also critical to understanding how the mother's breast anatomy and the baby's oral skills can influence breastfeeding success. The other concepts, such as suctioning action, gravity void, and fluid dynamics, do not accurately reflect the primary mechanical process happening during breastfeeding. While suctioning is involved, it is the compression force that significantly drives the milk flow, making this the best description of how positive pressure is created during breastfeeding.