Lactation Matters

The Journal of Human Lactation (JHL) is soliciting manuscripts for their February 2022 special issue on a wide variety of topics pertaining to laws and policies related to infant and young child feeding.  Submissions can include original research, literature reviews, case studies, and insights into practice and policy. Examples of topics include, but are not […]

If an IBCLC® you knew helped a client with a history of breast cancer induce lactation for an adopted infant, wouldn’t you want to hear the story? How about if a friend had been involved in a study measuring COVID-19 antibodies in human milk during the newborn phase? Definitely a great story to hear! Case […]

Let potential clients know that your Hospital-Based Facility or Community-Based Agency recognizes the role of the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant® (IBCLC®) in protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding by applying for the IBCLC Care Award. The IBCLC Care Awards are promoted to new families and the general public which means your facility can enjoy the […]

It would be difficult to think of a year when being an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant® (IBCLC®) has been so challenging—or so important. In 2021, birthing and lactating families all over the world have faced unprecedented hurdles as they’ve brought their babies into the world amid the COVID-19 pandemic. They have needed the help […]

Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, a troubling trend emerged—as hospitals struggled to understand the new risk, birthing parents and their infants were routinely being separated. Parents were told not to breastfeed or chestfeed, or counseled to only feed expressed milk. Babies were spending the first days of their lives unable to be in contact with […]

Show your pride in transforming world health through skilled lactation care. Educate your community by changing your Facebook Profile Frame to celebrate IBCLC Day! This day – celebrated in 2021 on 3 March – is an opportunity to honor how IBCLCs transform world health by providing skilled lactation care. (Find other ways to celebrate IBCLC […]

In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, one issue quickly rose to the surface for birthing families and their providers. Considering the new risks, could parents and their infants safely remain together? It was a scary time for birthing parents and those who support them, as stories of painful separation abounded from areas around […]

As information is rapidly unfolding about the new mRNA COVID vaccines and lactating families, we sat down with Dr. Lori Feldman-Winter to help our community get the information they need to support those with questions right now. Dr. Lori Feldman-Winter is a fellow in the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) and helped to bring their […]

With countries in the process of authorizing distribution of the first COVID-19 vaccines, lactation consultants may have questions about accessing the immunization as well as available safety information for breastfeeding and chestfeeding clients. In this rapidly changing environment, ILCA is continuing to gather and disseminate international and regional updates about lactation-related COVID information here. Please […]

Looking for ways to promote the IBCLC® profession? ILCA has blog posts, infographics, and videos that you can share to help others learn about how IBCLCs transform world health. Here are seven ways you can share materials on social media. Each share makes a difference! Together we can educate our communities about who IBCLCs are, […]

After receiving expert, skilled support from IBCLCs around early infant feeding questions and concerns, many parents return with questions as the time for starting solid foods approaches. An increasing number of questions over the past decade have been about Baby-Led Weaning – is it safe? When can it begin? What are trusted resources for learning […]

Patients and providers frequently turn to IBCLCs with questions and concerns about chest/breast and nipple pain, plugged ducts, mastitis, and engorgement. Whether it is a patient newly postpartum who is so engorged the baby cannot latch, one who is experiencing recurrent plugged ducts, or one who is exhausted having sought out treatment after treatment for […]

At this year’s All General Meeting, International Lactation Consultant Association® (ILCA®) members shared questions with the board and staff. We were able to address most of your questions during the meeting, but were not able to get to all of them due to time constraints. Following the meeting, we reached out to board and staff […]

Congratulations to the 2020 IBCLC Care Award recipients! In the midst of these unusual times, we thank you for your consistent dedication to promoting, supporting, and protecting breastfeeding by hiring IBCLCs and implementing projects and training that support high-quality lactation care.  What are the IBCLC Care Awards? Hospital-Based Facilities and Community-Based Health Agencies that staff […]

People with disabilities are experienced at adapting to a world that is largely designed without considering their unique needs. Breastfeeding and chestfeeding parents are no different. As new parents, those with disabilities capably develop strategies to meet their breastfeeding goals.  As lactation providers, it is our obligation to familiarize ourselves with the unique needs of […]

Breastfeeding and chestfeeding parents who are part of the workforce face unique challenges. If you are one of them, you have made an excellent choice for yourself and your baby! Below, experienced International Board Certified Lactation Consultant® (IBCLCs®) provide their best advice for combining lactation and employment.  For many of us, how and where we […]

Please join ILCA in celebrating Black Breastfeeding Week! Traditionally held in the last week of August, Black Breastfeeding Week was initially created to address racial disparities in breastfeeding. This year’s theme – Revive, Restore, Reclaim – is being celebrated virtually this year due to COVID-19.  A lack of access to culturally matched skilled lactation providers […]

Interview with Catherine Sullivan Providers worldwide are working to understand and implement changes to the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) while managing the many challenges presented by the COVID-19. At the #ILCA2020 Virtual Conference, Catherine Sullivan, Director of the Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute (GGBI) and an assistant professor in the Department of Maternal Child Health […]

How can YOU support action steps to support breastfeeding for a healthier planet? As a part of World Breastfeeding Week, World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) has identified six action areas for creating change. We are sharing the last action area – societal support – today.  Just learning about this year’s World Breastfeeding Week celebrations? […]

Breastfeeding mothers and chestfeeding parents encounter a wide variety of providers from pregnancy through weaning. The importance of ensuring that those providers – from peer educators to IBCLCs to nurses and physicians – have adequate training was a key point raised in yesterday’s webinar. (To learn more about the Global Breastfeeding Collective’s webinar Achieving Health […]