The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners® (IBLCE®) is strongly committed to advancing global public health, and we are deeply concerned about the impact that the current shortage of formula milk is having on families who rely upon these products for feeding their babies, particularly those infants with special medical requirements.
IBLCE applauds recent steps that the US Federal Government and other public bodies have taken to address the situation, while noting that a confluence of factors have led to a “perfect storm” in which too many families experience stress, worry, and urgently seek guidance and resources for their babies and young children.
In the face of this situation, dedicated professionals who are International Board Certified Lactation Consultants® (IBCLCs), and other lactation support workers and volunteers, are providing guidance and direction to resources, as are staff with the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children; accredited nonprofit milk banks; and many community-based organisations and hospitals.
IBLCE commends these IBCLCs and other lactation support workers, who are leading from the frontlines and providing information and care to families during such a difficult and challenging time. You are invaluable in your dedicated service, which helps advance global public health and serve our families!
Those seeking more clinically focused guidance may wish to visit the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine.