International Lactation Consultant Association

Programs: Annual conference: the association's annual conference is the premier lactation education and professional development event of the year. The conference provides a learning environment for lactation professionals, midwives, child and family health nurses, general practitioners, physicians, dieticians and nutritionists, breastfeeding counselors, researchers, policy advocates, and other advocates who assist mothers and babies with breastfeeding. The conference offers current and aspiring ibclc's information on cutting edge evidence-based practice and research in optimal breastfeeding care and support for mothers and babies. As an accredited provider of continuing nursing education, the association offered up to 20. 5 contact hours with its 2014 annual conference. The annual conference also offered a variety of educational sessions, networking opportunities, and access to committee meetings and other groups.

the journal of human lactation, the official journal of the association, is a quarterly, peer-reviewed journal publishing original research, commentaries related to human lactation and breastfeeding behavior, case reports relevant to the practicing lactation consultant and other health professionals who assist lactating mothers or their breastfeeding infants, debate on research methods for breastfeeding and lactation studies, and discussions of the business aspects of lactation consulting. The journal often features independent study modules that are also available via the association's website after publication.

publications and communications: the association provides resources for its members and others who care for breastfeeding mothers and infants that can be purchased from the association's online store or may be available as downloads. The association's other publications include position papers, standards of practice, clinical guidelines, and multimedia reviews as well as materials that can be used to promote the lactation consultant profession with medical professionals, career day fairs, and public health fairs. During 2014 the association hosted the lactation summit, which brought together representatives of diverse racial, geographic, and educational perspectives to identify and address barriers within the profession that prevent equitable access worldwide. Educational and clinical instruction needs of aspiring lactation consultants in remote areas of the world were explored including ways to improve access to the profession by individuals serving ethnically diverse, low opportunity, or geographically remote population groups. The association also provides promotional products in connection with the celebration of world breastfeeding week, which highlights the protection, promotion, and support of breastfeeding.

other educational programs: the association's educational mission is to provide leadership in professional education for lactation consultants, to meet member needs for educational resources, and to facilitate communication related to educational goals and initiatives. The association provides a rich and diverse learning experience through workshops, plenary sessions, and various other interactive sessions. These programs equip lactation consultants, educators, and leaders with the skills and knowledge they need to assist breastfeeding families worldwide. The association provides a wide variety of opportunities for earning continuing education credit including live and recorded webinars and conference sessions as well as independent study modules.