Lactation Matters

The Journal of Human Lactation (JHL) is soliciting manuscripts about ethical issues pertaining to lactation and breastfeeding or chestfeeding for the February 2020 issue. Ethical discussions of these topics have been limited within the professional literature, despite the short- and long-term health benefits of human milk to families and communities’ health and wellbeing. JHL welcomes […]

As the president of the board of directors of the International Lactation Consultant Association® (ILCA®), I deeply value listening carefully to you, our members. I also want to be transparent with you about our organization. In 2019, I will be sharing with you the things that have excited me, the ways ILCA is stepping forward, […]

Do you love bringing together lactation consultants and ensuring they have the skills they need to provide high quality, evidence based care? Consider playing a key role in the ILCA Annual Meeting and Conference by applying to become the Conference Program Task Force Chair (CPTF). This two-year position includes an honorarium and attendance at the […]

Do you want to work alongside leaders from around the globe to shape the future of ILCA and your profession? Do you want to help set our path within the global breastfeeding community? Consider becoming a candidate for a position on the ILCA Board! The ILCA Board of Directors is seeking candidates for the Secretary […]

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 […]

On topics ranging from breastfeeding in the workplace to co-sleeping perceptions to opioid maintenance treatment, our community tapped into the top-accessed resources of Journal of Human Lactation (JHL) nearly 23,000 times last year. As we wrap up 2018, we compiled this list of the year’s top ten most accessed JHL articles. Planning on using research to […]

At #ILCA18, the Journal of Human Lactation (JHL) awarded the Patricia Martens Annual Award for Excellence in Breastfeeding Research to Dr. Mary Renfrew. This award is given, in memory of Patricia Martens, to a senior researcher with a history of excellence in breastfeeding research which has had an international impact on advancing our knowledge and […]

During our 2018 Annual General Meeting, as a part of our #ILCA18 Conference in Portland, Oregon, United States, we gave our members the opportunity to ask questions of our Board of Directors. Since returning from the conference, we have been hard at work implementing suggestions you have made and exploring how the needs of our […]

As a part of our ongoing commitment to transform world health through breastfeeding and skilled lactation care, ILCA is honored to welcome Michele Griswold, PhD, MPH, RN, IBCLC as our new advocacy advisor. This position was created in response to requests from members and partners to strengthen ILCA’s position and representation of breastfeeding and skilled […]

We here at ILCA® regularly answer questions about whose role it is to provide support for our profession of lactation consulting, for our credential known as the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant®, and for the education that gives us what we need to provide evidence-based care. Like many professions, lactation consultants are supported by three […]

The ILCA Equity Committee, launched two years ago, played an important role in the 2018 conference in supporting conversations around equity, diversity, and inclusion. The Equity Committee provided Lactation Matters with this update on the committee’s recent efforts. Gathering together annually for a time of learning, networking and much more has been a core focus […]

The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) has recently released the second edition of the HIV kit Understanding International Policy on HIV and Breastfeeding: A Comprehensive Resource. According to WABA, this kit is important for those working on breastfeeding and those working on HIV issues alike. It does not replace the detailed guidance from WHO/UNICEF […]