10 exam-style questions with answers and explanations, straight from our 1,030-question bank. Tap an answer to check yourself. When you're ready, take the scored version in the free practice test.
The ICPD exam has 75 questions and runs 1 hours 30 minutes.
These 10 free ICPD questions are organized by exam domain, so you can see how each part of the Experienced Postpartum Doula Certification (ICPD) blueprint is tested. Reveal the answer and explanation under each question.
After watching a settling demonstration, a parent of a healthy newborn says, “I want to try, but you seem to do it faster.” How should the doula support the parent’s attempt?
Correct answer: B - Coach the parent through settling, adjusting the support to the parent's comfort.
Nine days after a cesarean birth, a parent notices that vaginal discharge has become lighter and pink-brown. They feel well and have no fever, worsening pain or heavy bleeding. They ask why there is still vaginal discharge when the baby was born surgically. Which explanation fits these findings?
Correct answer: D - The uterus sheds blood and tissue after cesarean birth; this change is expected.
A parent has not menstruated since giving birth four months ago and breastfeeds without formula or other foods. The baby now sleeps for about eight hours overnight without breastfeeding. Which detail prevents the parent from relying on the lactational amenorrhea method alone for contraception?
Correct answer: A - Breastfeeding pauses for about eight hours during the night.
An Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale result totals 9. On the self-harm item, the postpartum parent reports that such thoughts occurred rarely during the past week. They appear calm and say they feel safe now, but the thoughts have not been explored further. What does this result require?
Correct answer: B - The self-harm response calls for immediate safety assessment regardless of the total.
Since a newborn arrived, a four-year-old has been asking for a bottle and crying during the parent’s evening feeds. At other times, the child plays, talks and drinks from a cup as usual. The bedtime story they previously shared with the parent has stopped. A grandparent offers evening help. Which plan best uses that help to address the older child’s adjustment?
Correct answer: C - Have the grandparent settle the baby after feeds while the parent restores the familiar bedtime story.
A newborn’s discharge examination identifies caput succedaneum. The parent asks how this differs from other changes in head shape after birth. Which description matches caput?
Correct answer: D - Superficial scalp edema that can extend across the skull’s suture lines.
While visiting a family in the maternity unit, a doula notices yellow skin and yellowing of the whites of their 18-hour-old baby’s eyes. The baby has just fed and appears comfortable. The finding that determines the immediate response is:
Correct answer: A - Jaundice before 24 hours of age, which calls for prompt bilirubin assessment.
At nap time, a healthy five-month-old rolls onto her stomach in her crib. She can roll independently in both directions, is not swaddled, and has a firm, flat mattress with only a fitted sheet. Her father has been waking her to turn her over. For future naps, he should:
Correct answer: A - Start every sleep on the back; allow the position reached independently.
"My milk looks thinner, and my breasts no longer feel full," says a parent four weeks after birth. The baby feeds comfortably with audible swallowing, has at least seven wet diapers daily, and had appropriate growth confirmed yesterday. Pumping immediately after a full feed yields little milk. Which advice is supported by this information?
Correct answer: C - Continue responsive feeding; the growth and diaper output support adequate intake.
A six-day-old’s recorded weights are 3,600 g at birth, 3,300 g at hospital discharge, and 3,150 g today. The parent reports 11 breastfeeds daily, persistent nipple pain, and a pinched nipple after feeds. The baby has had three wet diapers and one dark stool in 24 hours. Which interpretation of loss from birth weight should guide the doula’s support?
Correct answer: D - The loss is 12.5%; help arrange prompt pediatric feeding and hydration assessment with lactation support.
The ICPD exam also covers these domains. Drill them in the full free practice test:
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