International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Practice Exam

What is the first step to inducing lactation in a non-pregnant woman?

1. Begin taking progesterone-estrogen birth control pills continuously

2. Start a milk supply stimulation regimen

3. Follow the Newman-Goldgarb protocol

4. Consult a lactation consultant

The correct answer is: Begin taking progesterone-estrogen birth control pills continuously

The first step to inducing lactation in a non-pregnant woman is to begin taking progesterone-estrogen birth control pills continuously. This approach seeks to mimic the hormonal environment of pregnancy, which is vital for developing the breast tissue and initiating the lactation process. During pregnancy, increased levels of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone prepare the breasts for milk production and secretion. By administering these hormones, the body can be tricked into thinking it is in a state similar to pregnancy, thereby facilitating the changes necessary to eventually produce milk. This is a foundational step because it establishes the hormonal milieu conducive to lactation. After establishing this hormonal foundation, other steps would typically follow, such as starting a milk supply stimulation regimen, which may involve pumping or suckling to encourage the body to produce milk in response to the stimulation. Consulting a lactation consultant and following established protocols may also be beneficial at later stages, but the initial hormonal manipulation acts as the critical first step in the lactation induction process. Utilizing the Newman-Goldfarb protocol, while a useful framework for some, is typically implemented after this foundational step has been addressed. Thus, beginning hormonal treatment is essential for transitioning to the subsequent stages of lactation induction.