LACTATION CONSULTANTS WORLDWIDE CELEBRATE
MARCH 5, 2008

Local Events and Informational Sessions Mark
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Day

    PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL – Wednesday, March 5, 2008 is set aside as International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Day. “Quality Breastfeeding Care: IBCLCs in Action” is this year’s theme for IBCLC Day, an annual event sponsored by the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA).

    With more and more mothers all over the world choosing to breastfeed their babies, quality care from a health professional trained in lactation management is key to assisting families in meeting their breastfeeding goals.

    Having access to a Lactation Consultant, both prenatally as well as throughout the time she is breastfeeding, means a mother will have timely information and support available to her. Breastfeeding’s impact on the health of a community has been recognized for years. When it comes to breastfeeding management, lactation consultants bring to the healthcare team a level of expertise and care that is unparalleled. Whether a mother is breastfeeding a premature infant, is expecting twins, or is returning to work, having an IBCLC on your team is one way to help you reach your breastfeeding goals.

    Lactation Consultants will be gathering at the monthly Breastfeeding Coalition meeting on Wednesday March 5 at the Lantana Health Center. For more information, please contact Lou Boyes (561) 681-2524 x113. Anyone may log onto the Coalition website to find out more links to breastfeeding information www.pbcbreastfeeding.org.


What is an IBCLC?

An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is a health care professional who specializes in the clinical management of breastfeeding. IBCLCs are credentialed by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (www.iblce.org) under the direction of the U.S. National Commission for Certifying Agencies. IBCLCs work in a wide variety of health care settings, including hospitals, pediatric offices, public health clinics, and private practice. Focusing on both pre- and post-natal care, IBCLCs possess the specialized skills and knowledge to assist infants and mothers with breastfeeding, and provide information for families to make educated decisions. There are more than 16,000 International Board Certified Lactation Consultants in over 70 countries around the world.

What IBCLCs Do

    From teaching the hows and whys of breastfeeding, to showing mothers ways to know they’re making enough milk, to working with mothers who are breastfeeding a baby with special needs, IBCLCs work with the mother and baby’s health care team to ensure that the mother gets timely information and support.


How to Find an IBCLC in Your Community

    IBCLCs are available in many community settings, including hospitals, physicians’ offices, healthcare centers, public health agencies, private practice, and governmental organizations. To find an IBCLC near you, visit the International Lactation Consultant Association’s website at www.ilca.org and follow the “Find a Lactation Consultant Directory” link where you can search for an IBCLC by postal code, by city and state, or by country. You may also find a local IBCLC on www.pbcbreastfeeding.org.

About ILCA

    The International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) is the professional association for IBCLCs and other health care professionals who care for breastfeeding families. ILCA’s mission is to advance the profession of lactation consulting worldwide through leadership, advocacy, professional development, and research. With the vision of a worldwide network of lactation professionals, ILCA provides members with numerous resources and professional development opportunities that enhance their ability to provide optimal care to breastfeeding families. For more information about ILCA, visit the website at www.ilca.org, or contact the ILCA Office at (919) 861-5577 or info@ilca.org.

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