International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Practice Exam

When does galactopoiesis generally begin and how long does it last?

1. From birth to 6 months

2. From around day 9 after birth to the beginning of involution

3. From 6 weeks postpartum to weaning

4. From day 1 to day 30 postpartum

The correct answer is: From around day 9 after birth to the beginning of involution

Galactopoiesis refers to the process of maintaining and sustaining milk production after it has been established. It generally begins around day 9 after birth, once the initial phase of lactogenesis (the onset of milk production) has transitioned into a more stable production phase. This process continues through to the beginning of involution, which is the phase where milk production decreases as breastfeeding frequency declines or stops altogether. This timeline is crucial for understanding the stages of lactation. During the days immediately after birth, the body is adjusting and establishing milk production in response to the infant's feeding patterns. Around the ninth day, feedback mechanisms involving hormonal signals and infant demand are more established, leading to an effective and sustained milk supply as long as breastfeeding continues. The other options do not accurately capture the timeline of galactopoiesis. For instance, the period from birth to 6 months encompasses both the processes of lactogenesis and galactopoiesis but does not specify the onset of sustained production. Similarly, stating that it lasts from 6 weeks postpartum doesn't account for the earlier days when establishment occurs. Lastly, the timeframe from day 1 to day 30 would misunderstand the transition point where galactopoiesis is identified as beginning later, around day