IBLCE Highlights the IBCLC at the Influential Association for Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) Convention | | |
IBLCE® Board Chair, Bayyinah Muhammad; IBLCE CEO, Sara Blair Lake; and IBLCE Senior Director, Strategic Initiatives, Lilly Hubschman-Shahar, elevated the visibility of the IBCLC® at the recent 2025 AWHONN Convention (Association for Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses).
This influential annual conference serves as an educational and networking opportunity for over 2,500 women’s health, obstetric, and neonatal nurses. The conference provides the opportunity to spotlight the importance of the IBCLC with hiring officials and health professionals at hospitals and other organisations.
| | IBLCE Board Chair Bayyinah Muhammad and IBLCE staffer Lilly Hubschman-Shahar meet with AWHONN President, Rose Horton, as well as IBCLCs Marin Skariah and Clifton J. Kenon, at AWHONN | | Left to right: IBLCE Senior Director, Strategic Initiatives, Lilly Hubschman-Shahar; MILCC Treasurer, Marin Skariah; IBLCE Board Chair, Bayyinah Muhammad; Birdie Gunyon Meyer of Postpartum Support International (PSI); and IBLCE CEO, Sara Blair Lake, at AWHONN | | IBLCE Senior Director, Strategic Initiatives, Lilly Hubschman-Shahar representing IBLCE at AWHONN | | IBLCE at the Postpartum Support International (PSI) Conference | |
IBLCE participated in the Postpartum Support International Conference (PSI) in July. PSI promotes the prevention and treatment of mental health issues related to childbearing in every country worldwide, and through its exhibit, IBLCE spotlighted the important work of IBCLCs, who can be vital resources for postpartum mothers.
The PSI Conference, a rapidly growing event including a number of IBCLCs, provides an opportunity to engage with leading experts in the field of postpartum support.
| | Cierra Murphy-Higgs, IBCLC (centre), discussed her work with North Carolina A&T’s Pathway 2 lactation programme with IBLCE CEO, Sara Blair Lake, and IBLCE Senior Director of Global Certification, Lesley Phillips, at PSI | | Anna Chamberlain, BSN, RN, IBCLC (centre), shared about her work with the Kentucky Perinatal Quality Collaborative at the IBLCE booth | | IBLCE Coordinator Presents at Brazilian Conference | | Coordinator for Brazil, Kelly Coca, addressing the conference | | |
IBLCE Coordinator for Brazil, Kelly Coca, IBCLC, RNM, MsC, PhD, provided information on the IBCLC at the recent Mame Bem Conference in São Paulo, Brazil.
Dr Coca provided a presentation to approximately 300 healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, IBCLCs and other lactation professionals, and public health advocates regarding the IBCLC. Mame Bem is one of the largest conferences in Brazil, focusing on evidence-based maternal and child care.
| | IBLCE Coordinator for Estonia Advances the IBCLC at the European Association of Breastfeeding Medicine | | |
As IBLCE Coordinator for Estonia, Marge Pöldma attended and exhibited at the European Association of Breastfeeding Medicine (EABM) in Tallinn, Estonia in May 2025.
The two-day conference was attended by 150 EABM members and focused on topics including The International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes (WHO Code), with experts sharing their various experiences with the WHO Code in their countries.
| | Seeking Greater Exposure for Your Continuing Education? Become an IBLCE Preferred Provider! | |
As previously announced, IBLCE launched the Preferred Provider programme in June of this year for educators who offer programmes of continuing education for IBCLCs. Providers can deliver education approved for Continuing Education Recognition Points (CERPs) through formats such as seminars, conferences, workshops, distance learning, and more.
Becoming a Preferred Provider includes the ability to promote educational programmes in the Preferred Provider Directory—a resource for IBCLCs looking to recertify. Hosted on the IBLCE website, which averages well over 300,000 visitors annually, the Preferred Provider Directory means approved programmes are more accessible to thousands of IBCLCs seeking lactation continuing education every year. Providers must attest to adherence of the WHO Code. For more information, see here.
If you or someone you know is interested in applying to become a Preferred Provider, please see the details on the IBLCE website, or contact the region that serves you.
| | |
The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners® (IBLCE) serves the global public interest by advancing professional practice in lactation consultation and support through credentialing.
The goals of the World Health Organization (WHO) International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and subsequent World Health Assembly (WHA) resolutions are of importance to the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant® (IBCLC) community as well as IBLCE & Affiliates.
Several IBCLCs have contacted IBLCE expressing concern about the activities of some fellow IBCLCs in relation to the WHO Code. IBLCE is currently working to rectify concerns pertaining to the WHO Code and some have been addressed while others remain in progress.
As candidates for the IBCLC and recertifying IBCLCs are aware, the IBCLC Detailed Content Outline includes the WHO Code. The Detailed Content Outline serves as the basis for the IBCLC examination as well as the Continuing Education Self-Assessment which the majority of IBCLCs take to recertify.
Additionally, IBLCE has taken a two-part strategic approach, emphasising awareness and education with respect to IBCLCs and the WHO Code.
First, as shared in IBLCE Briefings: IBLCE & Affiliates work to continue to strengthen commitment to the WHO Code and emphasise its importance to the IBCLC community and the public.
In addition to steps taken previously (please refer to IBLCE Briefings), IBLCE has more recently:
- Convened a focus group of IBCLCs to facilitate dialogue and hear from IBCLCs about their experiences and thoughts regarding implementation of the WHO Code in a variety of situations and practice settings.
- Surveyed the IBCLC community around the world, in 17 languages, to gauge understanding of the WHO Code and subsequent WHA resolutions.
- Consulted with a variety of experts related to the WHO Code within a global context.
- Implemented a WHO Code educational requirement for both candidates and recertifying IBCLCs to facilitate greater awareness and understanding of the WHO Code (with the change of structure, decision ratified by the IBCLC Commission).
- Included the requirement in the recently launched Preferred Provider Programme that educational providers affirm that educational content submitted for CERPs is free of conflicts as defined by the WHO Code and subsequent WHA resolutions, including by programme speakers or sponsors.
A holistic review and update of the Code of Professional Conduct for IBCLCs is due to take place. While delayed on the roadmap due to the changing organisational structure of IBLCE as well as efforts associated with the IBCLC certification programme’s time-sensitive and successful reaccreditation, this is now slated to occur. Several of the more recent steps set forth in the bulleted list above will inform the comprehensive update. The review will take place by IBCLCs and members of the public with consideration of the diverse legal and regulatory environments in which IBCLCs practise in many countries. Further updates will be provided as they become available.
The second part of IBLCE’s strategic approach to the WHO Code and subsequent WHA resolutions is active participation in the Global Breastfeeding Collective (GBC). Convened by WHO and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and inclusive of a number of organisations with missions centred squarely on advocacy, the GBC educates and informs on the WHO Code and subsequent WHA resolutions. IBLCE facilitates awareness and education through amplification of the influential work of the GBC and WHO, such as the annual Global Breastfeeding Report Card; educational webinars, including the recent “Implementing WBTi to Strengthen National Breastfeeding Policies”; and the influential report, "Scope and impact of digital marketing strategies for promoting breastmilk substitutes". IBLCE will continue to work with these leaders in infant feeding to advance the aims of the WHO Code.
IBLCE is committed to further strengthening its commitment to the WHO Code and will be sharing further updates as they become available.
| | |
IBLCE Board and Public Member Kristi Salisbury has been recognised with a singular honour. The Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals has presented Kristi with the Legacy Award. This award recognises outstanding contributions to the profession over a number of years in various capacities: leadership, mentorship, public speaking, and service.
The award particularly emphasised Kristi’s contribution as former Chair of the association, as playing a key role in the profession’s development of a professional certification programme, and her active and ongoing mentorship of future leaders.
IBLCE congratulates her on this extraordinary and richly deserved honour!
| | Updated Interim Guidance on the Use of Technology to Meet Pathways 1, 2, and 3 Clinical Practice Requirements Extended | | |
The IBCLC Commission recently approved a recommendation from the Certification Committee that the interim guidance on the use of technology to meet Pathways 1, 2, and 3 clinical practice requirements will be continued for the foreseeable future.
The Certification Committee will further review the use of additional methods for fulfilling clinical practice requirements and may make additional recommendations for guidance at a later date.
| | Be Part of the Future of the IBCLC: Participate in the Practice Analysis Survey | | |
This year, the IBCLC Commission is conducting a practice analysis (sometimes referred to as a job analysis, job task analysis, occupational analysis, or role delineation study). This is the foundation of a certification programme and, by Commission policy, is conducted approximately every five years.
Results from the practice analysis survey, along with a task force of your peers, fellow IBCLCs, will help develop an updated Detailed Content Outline (also known as a blueprint), with an estimated effective date of 2028, that reflects the knowledge and skills necessary for practice as an IBCLC. Be on the lookout for an email later this year for your opportunity to participate in this important survey so important to the IBCLC!
Participants will earn 0.5 L-CERPs for their time if they contribute to the survey.
| | Congratulations to New and Recertifying IBCLCs! | | | | |
Nearly 1,300 new and recertifying professionals earned the IBCLC after successfully passing the April 2025 examination. Congratulations to all these professionals!
According to data from the most recent IBCLC post-examination survey, 94% of those who took the IBCLC examination rated their experience as Satisfactory, Good, or Excellent, with an increase in those who selected Good or Excellent over the last four IBCLC examination administrations.
| | IBCLC Certificates Fully Digital! | | |
As of July 2025, all IBCLCs had received a digital certificate. IBCLCs who have recently recertified by CERPs should also keep an eye on their inboxes as they will be receiving a new certificate very soon.
With the new digital certificate process, IBCLCs who passed the April 2025 examination received their certificates within weeks of examination scores being released, without the delay of the postal service. Moving forward, digital certificates will be issued to IBCLCs who recertify by CERPs incrementally throughout the recertification window as well.
| | Refinement of Policy for Retaking IBCLC Examination | | In an effort to position candidates for future success on the IBCLC examination, and after a careful review of feedback from IBCLCs and stakeholders, the IBCLC Commission has recently refined the retest policy for candidates sitting the IBCLC examination. Effective beginning with applications for the April 2026 administration, the retest policy for candidates who do not pass the IBCLC examination is as follows: | | | | |
An IBCLC examination candidate who is unsuccessful can retest an additional three times. In order to be eligible to retest, candidates must meet all certification requirements at the time of application.
After a fourth failed attempt, the candidate must earn 35 hours of additional lactation education and provide proof of the education before sitting the examination again.
After a fifth failed attempt, the candidate must wait a minimum of two years before sitting the examination again. The candidate can apply again as an initial candidate, having to meet all requirements in place at the time of application.
| | | This refined policy reflects the Commission’s commitment to both fairness and rigorous professional standards for all those taking the IBCLC examination. | | Monetary Investment for Lactation Consultant Certification (MILCC) News | | Looking to Make a Difference? Join Your Colleagues at MILCC | | |
The Monetary Investment for Lactation Consultant Certification®, or MILCC®, is an affiliate of IBLCE and makes a profound impact in the lives of aspiring IBCLCs, some recertifying IBCLCs, and the families they serve.
MILCC raises funds for scholarships, makes scholarship decisions, and has a global impact. Scholarships through MILCC include general scholarships, scholarships for individuals from peer-to-peer backgrounds, as well as scholarships devoted to advancing equity and providing support during humanitarian crises.
MILCC recently elected new Officers and welcomed new Board members. You could be part of this impactful organisation as well!
| |
Jarene Fleming, IBCLC, is the Chair of MILCC. She joined the Virginia Department of Health in 2016. As the State Breastfeeding Coordinator with the Office of Family Health, Division of Community Nutrition, she has coordinated multiple initiatives to promote, protect, and support human milk feeding in the Commonwealth, including the Virginia WIC Breastfeeding Program, the Virginia Maternity Care Quality Improvement Collaborative, and the Virginia Breastfeeding Friendly Designation Program.
| |
Marin Skariah, DNP, MBA, FNP-BC, NEA-BC, IBCLC, is MILCC’s new Treasurer.
| | |
Annabelle Mackenzie, MA (Cantab), IBCLC, has joined the MILCC Board as the IBLCE Board representative.
Thanks to each of these individuals making a positive worldwide impact!
| | |
Would you like to make a difference? Are you an English speaker interested in collaborating with fellow IBCLCs and advancing MILCC’s mission? Email milcc@iblce.org for more information today!
Read on to see how the work of MILCC enabled an IBCLC to continue working with families in need of quality lactation care!
| | The MILCC Scholarship: Preserving Access to Professional Lactation Care | | |
“The [MILCC general] scholarship enabled me to recertify my IBCLC . . . at a time when I was working with many parents at risk in the NICU . . . If I didn’t have the scholarship, I might not have been able to continue working with this population. [IBCLCs] are a vital part of maternal healthcare, and we know that health disparities are particularly evident in the perinatal population . . . The payoff is great when there are more [IBCLCs] and especially more serving vulnerable areas [and] patients.”
—Gabrielle Hathaway, MS, IBCLC, PMH-C and MILCC Scholarship Recipient, Massachusetts, United States
| | Follow MILCC for the latest updates: | | Global Centre for Lactation Training (GCLT)® News | | Coming Soon: A New Way to Prepare for the IBCLC Examination! | | |
When it comes to studying for the IBCLC examination, there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Coming soon, the Centre will offer not one, but four distinct ways to study for the IBCLC examination. Your Fit Study Kit gives you flexible, focused options so you can take the IBCLC examination with greater confidence.
Each kit draws from expertly crafted questions, offering four distinct ways to study – tailored to different learning styles, schedules, and study goals.
Sign up here for the mailing list – or share the link with someone you know studying for the IBCLC examination – and get access to the Your Fit Study Kit as soon as it is available in September!
| Access the Centre Educational Offerings! | |
The Global Centre for Lactation Training (GCLT)® is dedicated to enhancing lactation education and supporting the professional development of lactation professionals by making available a variety of credentialing products, services, and programming designed with a global perspective to meet a variety of professional goals and needs. The Centre’s offerings are focused on enhancing access to a diverse audience of lactation professionals.
Invest in your professional growth – explore CERPs offerings today to stay at the forefront of the latest research, practical tools, and ethical considerations in lactation practice.
| | 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 | | | | |
