International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Practice Exam

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What component of breast milk increases during lactogenesis II to elevate milk supply?

  1. Fat content

  2. Protein

  3. Lactose

  4. Lactoferrin

The correct answer is: Lactose

During lactogenesis II, which begins around two to five days postpartum, there is a notable increase in milk volume and composition changes that prepare the milk for the infant’s nutritional needs. One of the key components that increases significantly during this phase is lactose. Lactose is vital not only for its role as the primary carbohydrate in breast milk but also for its influence on the osmolarity of the milk. As lactose concentration rises, it not only provides energy for the baby but also promotes an increase in water content of the milk, facilitating the overall rise in milk supply. This increase in lactose content is crucial for ensuring that the infant receives an adequate supply of carbohydrates necessary for growth and energy. The other components, while important, do not have the same effect on increasing milk supply during lactogenesis II. Fat content, proteins, and lactoferrin play essential roles in the nutritional profile and immune protection offered by breast milk but are not specifically responsible for the elevations in milk volume during this transitional phase. Understanding the dynamics of lactose is essential for grasping how breast milk composition supports the infant's changing needs during the early days of life.