TRICARE Overseas Programme Offers Opportunity to Many IBCLCs! | |
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TRICARE, the health programme for Uniformed Service members (U.S.) and their families, now has a Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration (CBSD) initiative which covers IBCLC® services in many locations in its worldwide network. Expanded overseas on January 1, 2025, and with the demonstration initiative running through December 31, 2026, TRICARE will cover IBCLC services for TRICARE beneficiaries registered in a number of categories. The initiative, which does include certain requirements, can cover six individual or group breastfeeding sessions by an IBCLC. The demonstration covers many countries and territories including a number in Asia, Europe, the Pacific, and in Puerto Rico as well.
In light of uncertainties with respect to some United States federal funding, IBLCE® confirmed with personnel affiliated with TRICARE Overseas that the Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration remains a published and provided benefit under the TRICARE programme at this time.
In order to support those in the IBCLC community who could potentially provide professional care through this opportunity, in the near future, IBLCE will be sending out a communication to IBCLCs who potentially qualify.
IBLCE is delighted to provide you with information on this new professional opportunity!
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IBLCE Approved Provider Programme Update | |
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As previously announced by IBLCE in prior Briefings, the current approved provider programme for CERPs has been under review and revision. This also included a period of public comment in June 2024 with respect to the implementation of the World Health Organization (WHO) International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes in various factual scenarios.
After careful consideration, IBLCE is moving forward with changes to the approved provider programme with the goal of better supporting both IBCLCs and educational providers, while maintaining IBLCE's commitment to the WHO Code. The planned transition from the Long-Term Provider (LTP) and Short-Term Provider (STP) programmes will occur over the next several months, and the new programme is scheduled to launch in June 2025.
New Programme Highlights Include:
- Optional Two-Year Approval Terms:
- The new programme offers an optional two-year approval term for qualified courses. While not required, this option provides greater flexibility and efficiency for providers.
- WHO Code Compliance:
- Providers must continue to affirm support of the WHO Code and subsequent WHA resolutions and adhere to the Minismising Commercial Influence Policy.
- Recognition and Visibility:
- Providers approved under the updated programme will have the opportunity for increased visibility before a large, global audience.
The following programme changes are currently scheduled on the transition roadmap:
Long-Term Provider (LTP) Programme:
- Effective immediately, IBLCE is no longer accepting new applications for LTP status.
- The LTP programme will fully sunset on December 31, 2025.
Short-Term Provider (STP) Programme:
- Activities approved through the STP Programme will still be considered approved under the new programme for the remainder of their approval period.
It is anticipated that current STPs and LTPs will receive an update by early March 2025 regarding next steps to transition to the new programme. We understand this transition represents a change, and we are here to support you through the process.
Thank you for your commitment to advancing ethical and high-quality lactation education. Together, we are supporting IBCLCs and strengthening the global lactation community.
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IBLCE is grateful to outgoing IBLCE Board of Directors Chair Brooke Gilliam, BSN, RN, IBCLC who elected to step back from the IBLCE Board shortly after the conclusion of her term as both Chair and Board member. Between professional commitments as well as a busy activity schedule with her three children, Brooke is planning to spend more time closer to home. She served as an outstanding leader during her term, with active engagement with MILCC and the Global Breastfeeding Collective, as well as mentoring incoming Board members. She will be greatly missed by the IBLCE & Affiliates’ leadership and professional staff! | |
LLLI: The Art of Breastfeeding Gala | |
Did you know that IBLCE was established 40 years ago with a $40,000 loan from La Leche League International? IBLCE is excited to be entering its 40th year in 2025 with IBCLCs providing professional lactation care to families all over the world and will never forget this visionary decision by La Leche League International. | |
LLLI Executive Director Zion Tankard and IBLCE Board Member Regina Piper celebrate The Art of Breastfeeding at the gala | |
Right before this milestone year, IBLCE was pleased to participate in LLLI’s Art of Breastfeeding Conference Gala in Chicago. The beautiful evening convened LLLI leaders from around the world and featured a panel on the updated The Art of Breastfeeding. IBLCE Board member and Chicago native, Regina Piper, and CEO Sara Blair Lake had the privilege of representing IBLCE at the event and expressing IBLCE’s great appreciation to La Leche League International. | |
IBLCE representatives celebrate with LLLI leaders at the Chicago gala (left to right, Sara Blair Lake, Judy Canahuati, and Regina Piper). | |
Look forward to hearing more about IBLCE’s and the IBCLC’s 40th Anniversary in future IBLCE communications. | |
IBLCE at the International Normal Labour Birth Research Conference | |
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Virginia Tam, IBLCE Coordinator for Macau, Hong Kong and Taiwan, and Karolyn Vaughan, Director of Promotion and Advancement for the Asia Pacific & Africa Region, attended and exhibited at the International Normal Labour Birth Research Conference in Hong Kong in October 2024. The conference was attended by delegates from over 24 countries, bringing clinicians, managers, researchers, and breastfeeding supporters together to discuss and reflect on the latest research and clinical practices. IBLCE representatives shared information about the IBCLC with those interested in earning the certification and also visited with a number of IBCLCs in attendance.
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Number of IBCLCs Worldwide Continues to Grow! | | |
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As of January 2, 2025, there are now over 38,000 IBCLCs in 137 countries and territories – this represents a 35% increase in the last decade!
Thank you to all IBCLCs around the world for your incredible commitment to supporting breastfeeding families and for all you do to advance global public health. You’re truly making a difference!
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Continuing Education Self-Assessment Now Available for IBCLCs Recertifying in 2028 | |
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The IBCLC Continuing Education (CE) Self-Assessment is now available to all IBCLCs due to recertify in 2028.
The CE Self-Assessment is required for all IBCLCs who choose to recertify by CERPs. IBCLCs due to recertify in 2028 have been sent an email with instructions to access the CE Self-Assessment. If you have not received your email, please check your spam folder.
You can take the CE Self-Assessment now! The results of your CE Self-Assessment will help guide your completion of the 75 total CERPs required in 2028; you must earn at least 5 CERPs in any topic in which you score below 75%. The remaining CERPs may be earned based on your career goals, practice setting, and interest areas in alignment with the IBCLC Detailed Content Outline. CERPs earned prior to taking the CE Self-Assessment may count toward the total number of CERPs required based on your self-assessment results. There are many ways to earn CERPs; see the Individual CERPs Guide for more information. Please note that the CE Self-Assessment can only be taken once during a five-year recertification cycle.
To recertify by CERPs, you will need to complete all requirements—including two hours of education on the WHO Code, which counts toward the E-CERPs requirement—and submit your recertification by CERPs application by September 30, 2028.
Learn more about recertification requirements here.
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2026 IBCLC Programme Dates Announced | |
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The IBCLC examination is offered twice a year, in March and/or April (English) and in September (in the 10 IBCLC examination languages).
The schedule for application and administration of the 2026 IBCLC examination is as follows:
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Applications open 4 -5 months in advance | | |
April 15 - 24, 2026
(English only)
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The use of Live Remote Proctoring (LRP) has been approved for IBCLC examination administrations moving forward. | |
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Deadline to Apply: September 30, 2026
(17 IBLCE Languages)
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The CE Self-Assessment became available in 17 languages in April 2023 to IBCLCs due to recertify in 2026. | |
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Find more key dates here.
Check back on the IBCLC Commission website for updates as we approach the 2026 IBCLC examination administrations.
Learn more to prepare for IBCLC certification or recertification in 2026:
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Digital Certificates: Transition in Progress | |
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As announced in the October 2024 Briefing, IBCLC certificates have been going out incrementally over the last several months. To date, IBCLC Programme staff has issued digital certificates to the following groups:
- April 2024 IBCLC passing examination candidates
- IBCLCs who successfully recertified or reinstated by CERPs in 2024
- September 2024 IBCLC passing examination candidates
Programme staff is preparing to send digital certificates to IBCLCs due to recertify in 2025 next. If you are in this group, please keep an eye out for an email with more information coming soon.
The transition to digital certificates was based on your feedback from the 2023 IBLCE customer experience survey, where a significant majority of IBCLCs in all languages indicated that they would prefer to receive a digital certificate more immediately rather than a paper certificate, which with printing and mailing in bulk takes more time. We are pleased to be able to deliver certificates digitally moving forward.
Digital certificates allow for some exciting new options, including the ability to share on LinkedIn and other platforms, display an IBCLC badge in signature lines, and more. This is a great new tool to show that you hold the IBCLC! IBLCE is also in the process of making paper certificates and ID cards available for purchase. For more information, please contact the region that serves you.
Watch your inbox for more news regarding digital certificates as your cohort of new or recertifying IBCLCs approaches!
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A practice analysis, the cornerstone of a professional certification programme, is conducted approximately every five years so as to reflect current practice in the Detailed Content Outline (also known as the examination blueprint), the professional certification examination, and IBCLC programme requirements. The IBCLC Commission, in consultation with a doctoral-level psychometrician, will be undertaking this important initiative in 2025. The Practice Analysis Task Force is representative of the relevant characteristics of the IBCLC community inclusive of practice setting, highest degree earned, language, and geography. Please watch your email for a Practice Analysis survey that will come out later in 2025, and thank you for your participation! | |
Coming in 2026: Scaled Scoring for IBCLC Examination | |
Commencing with the April 2026 IBCLC examination administration, the IBCLC Commission will report IBCLC candidates' examination results using the scaled scoring system. Scaled scoring is a certification practice which serves to provide greater clarity regarding examination scores among examination administrations over time. Please watch the Briefing and IBCLC Commission website for further information to come. | |
IBCLC Commission Leadership Updates | |
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IBLCE is delighted to announce that after a special election held in December of 2024, He Rion Lee, IBCLC, BS, of Gyeonggi-do, South Korea has joined the 2024-25 IBCLC Commission. Current IBLCE Board member, Kristi Salisbury, CDM, CFPP, RD, of Minnesota, USA, has been named as IBLCE Board Liaison to the 2024-2025 IBCLC Commission. This is a non-voting ex-officio role to facilitate communication and does not involve exposure to the IBCLC examination.
Thanks to each of these leaders so important to the IBCLC certification programme!
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Monetary Investment for Lactation Consultant Certification® (MILCC®) News | |
Spotlight on MILCC Scholarships | |
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The Monetary Investment for Lactation Consultant Certification (MILCC) organisation continues to have a great impact on the IBCLC community—both those seeking to earn the IBCLC and those currently holding the credential. In 2024 MILCC has awarded 22 full or partial scholarships to individuals in 10 different countries. MILCC continues to be a major force in support of lactation and global public health!
A supporting affiliate of IBLCE, MILCC’s vision is ‘That every family worldwide has access to culturally appropriate care from an IBCLC’, with a mission ‘To remove financial barriers to accessing the IBCLC credential by fostering inclusiveness, promoting philanthropy, and increasing public awareness of the value of the IBCLC.’
MILCC provides a variety of scholarships to aspiring or current IBCLCs in support of IBLCE. In 2024, MILCC awarded the following scholarships:
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The MILCC General Scholarship: Fourteen full and three partial scholarships to recipients in Bangladesh, Egypt, Guatemala, Ireland, Jordan, Tanzania, Ukraine, and Venezuela;
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The JoAnne W. Scott Peer-to-Peer Scholarship: One recipient in the United States;
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The Dr. Clifton J. Kenon, Jr. Scholarship: Three recipients in the United States;
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The Global Humanitarian Scholarship: One recipient due to war and civil unrest in West Africa.
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On behalf of MILCC, the deepest gratitude is extended to all who donated last calendar year in 2024. Your support plays a crucial role in growing the IBCLC community and making a positive impact on promoting, protecting, and supporting breastfeeding.
You are part of something amazing!
YOUR donation has contributed to:
- Global scholarships totalling over $295K USD in over 60 countries in the past 15 years.
- Over 800 scholarships awarded since 2010.
- A positive impact on the professional lives and communities of aspiring and current IBCLCs.
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The MILCC Scholarship: Investing in the Future | |
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“Thanks to the [MILCC] scholarship, I was able to earn the IBCLC, which marked a before and after in my professional and personal life. This certification has allowed me to positively impact the communities I serve, helping mothers, babies, and families on their path to successful breastfeeding. In addition, I have enhanced this knowledge in the academic field as a university professor at ESPOL, Ecuador, where I teach about breastfeeding, integrating research and teaching to train future generations. I have also participated in political processes that ensure maternal and child well-being, contributing to structural changes that benefit many families.
“To donors, my message is simple: thank you. Your generosity transcends time and space. What you have provided is not just financial support, it is an investment in the future of maternal and child health globally. My experience is proof of how a scholarship can transform a life and, in turn, multiply that impact in entire communities. By considering a donation to MILCC, you are sowing opportunities for more professionals to become certified, bringing hope and meaningful change to families who need it most.”
—Luz María Valencia Erazo, IBCLC, and 2021 MILCC Scholarship Recipient, Guayaquil, Ecuador
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Follow MILCC for the latest updates: | |
Global Centre for Lactation Training (GCLT) TM News | |
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Looking for Quick Access to Cost-Effective Quality Education & Training?
Access the Centre’s Offerings!
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Designed for a global audience, find these cost-effective educational offerings – with more in store – at www.gclt.org: | |
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Integrating Colostrum Harvesting into Prenatal Support
1.25 L-CERPs
(Domain VII: Clinical Skills)
+ Bonus Content
Learn more here
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Work, Milk, and Magic: Insights on the Realities of Working as an IBCLC while Breastfeeding
1 L-CERP
(Domain V: Psychology, Sociology, and Anthropology)
Learn more here
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Ethics in Lactation Research
1.5 E-CERPs
(Domain VII: Clinical Skills—Ethical and Legal Issues)
Learn more here
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Beyond Compliance: Innovative Solutions for Breastfeeding-Friendly Workplaces
COMPLIMENTARY
(Does NOT offer CERPs or count towards IBCLC eligibility requirements)
35 minutes + Bonus Resources
Learn more here
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New Offerings Available Soon! | |
Educational and training offerings by the Global Centre for Lactation Training (GCLT)™ are optional and are not the sole way to pursue IBCLC (re)certification. | |
This briefing is being translated and will be disseminated in all IBLCE languages in the immediate future. | |
Follow IBLCE on Social Media | | | | |
