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The mission of the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners® (IBLCE®), a global organisation with, as of 2023, close to 36,000 International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) in 131 countries, serves the global public interest by advancing professional practice in lactation consultation and support through credentialing.  As set forth in the Diversity, Access, and Inclusion in Global Lactation Credentialing section of its website, IBLCE genuinely embodies diversity in professional lactation care.

The recent news from the US state of Georgia’s Supreme Court ruling brings an opportunity to highlight the importance of equity and access to lactation care globally. Education cost, insurance reimbursement, state and/or federal legislation, and many other variables impacting professional practice are set and managed independently of IBLCE.

While IBLCE neither supported, nor had involvement with, the recent Georgia licensure legislation which was the subject of this litigation, the organisation appreciates the dynamics of the case, and continues to progress initiatives that support the diversification of the lactation field worldwide. 

This year alone, IBLCE launched the Global Center for Lactation Training (GCLT) ^TM, an affiliated organisation that aims to make available credentialing products, services, and programming designed with a global perspective to meet a variety of professional goals and needs. Additionally, IBLCE’s affiliated organisation MILCC offers global scholarships to remove financial barriers to accessing the IBCLC credential.

IBLCE commends IBCLCs and other lactation support providers. It acknowledges and welcomes people with diverse educational and professional backgrounds, who provide lactation care and services across a spectrum of scopes of practice, celebrating the unique perspectives, skills, and expertise that can improve outcomes for breastfeeding families and meet the needs of diverse populations.

A culture of teamwork, respect, and mutual learning can only lead to better outcomes and a more comprehensive approach to lactation care worldwide.

IBLCE has transitioned to a Commission structure – and with this transition, we are in the process of expanding and enhancing our digital presence!

IBLCE is pleased to introduce the new IBCLC Commission website at www.ibclc-commission.org! This is the new home for all information related to the IBCLC programme, where you can:

• Learn about earning the IBCLC,
• Recertifying as an IBCLC,
• Code of Conduct, Ethics & Disciplinary, and other IBCLC documents,
• Log into and learn how to use the online credential management system, and
• Contact the region that serves you.

On the IBLCE website, you can find:

• The IBLCE Briefings,
• The IBCLC Practice Examination,
• The Career Centre,
• Information for CERPs Providers, and
• Links to all IBLCE affiliates, including the IBCLC Commission, the new Global Centre for Lactation Training (GCLT) ^TM, the Monetary Investment for Lactation Consultant Certification (MILCC), and the refreshed IBCLC Care Awards websites.

Watch the Informational Webinar for more on exciting updates at IBLCE! Find answers to your questions from the February Briefing regarding updates to IBLCE and affiliated organisations.

We can’t stay in touch with you if you don’t stay in touch with us!

The best way to reach the thousands of IBCLCs around the world is via email. Be sure to receive email from us by updating your contact information in IBLCE’s online credential management system.

IBLCE will be sending Recertification Reminders and more information about the CE Self-Assessment in the coming weeks and months, so now is the time to check that your email address is up to date.

Please check your email address and update it as needed by logging into IBLCE’s online system. In the top right corner, you can find a box with your email address – click it for a dropdown menu and select “Profile” and then “Update your profile” to change your email address or other contact information.

Log into IBLCE’s online credential management system here.

You can find instructions and video tutorials to help you navigate the system here.

If you have any issues, please contact your IBLCE location to assist you.

Beginning in 2022, IBCLCs have the option to Recertify by Exam or by CERPS with the CE Self-Assessment. Learn more in this video.

Learn more about Recertification here.

Regardez la vidéo en français ici.

Deadline to Apply Extended by Request to June 20, 2022

IBLCE’s mission is serving the global public interest by advancing professional practice in lactation consulting and support through credentialing. As announced previously, including in the IBLCE Strategic Plan 2021-2025, IBLCE is developing and piloting a lactation support credential.

IBLCE is seeking volunteers from around the world and from a variety of backgrounds (e.g., breastfeeding support counsellors, peer-to-peer counsellors, lactation researchers, childbirth education; healthcare workers) interested in lactation support and in joining the IBLCE Second Credential workgroup charged with the development of this pilot programme. Due to current events and the consequent time demands on lactation support professionals in some parts of the world, IBLCE has received requests to extend the deadline to apply for the Second Credential Workgroup, and therefore has extended the deadline to June 20, 2022.

As a member of this workgroup, there will be opportunities to:

• work both individually and collaboratively as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to develop programme materials, programme policies, and develop assessment items;
• contribute approximately 8 hours per month (depending upon precise volunteer role(s)) in online meetings or assignments in-between meetings; and,
• commit to serve on the IBLCE Second Credential Pilot workgroup for a one-year term.

To apply please send your current curriculum vitae (C.V.), a letter of interest, and a writing sample together with a signed copy of the Conflict of Interest Formto international@iblce.org by June 20, 2022.

Required Qualifications

• Experience working with breastfeeding families in a lactation support role
• Experience with peer-reviewed or collaborative work
• Strong written communication skills including experience in developing manuals, policies, presentations, programme development, etc.
• Fluent in English

Preferrable Qualifications

• Experience in public speaking and presenting at conferences or similar events