IBLCE LogoLetterhead   
 International eNewsletter
from the Board of Directors
Volume 3, Issue 4
December 2014
In This Issue
New IBCLC Examination Content Outline
Lactation Summit
New Board Officers
Certficant Spotlight
2014 Test Analysis Report
Certification Program Updates
CERPs

IBLCE is now accepting applications for the 2015 certification cycle!


 

The deadline to apply for the 2015 examination is March 2, 2015.

 

Apply today!

Please remember that if your contact information changes, including email address, it is your professional responsibility to inform IBLCE.

 

Thank you for remembering that we can't keep in touch with you if you don't keep in touch with us!

 

Contact IBLCE with your new information!

Quiz Result Is In!

 

Q: Last enewsletter's question was: From what country or countries do the newest IBCLCs hail?


 

Answer: E. Uganda & Albania

 

 

Quiz of the Quarter

 

 

In what months in 2016 is the IBCLC examination to be offered?


 

A. January & July

B. February &      October

C. April & October

D. April & November
 

 

 

Check out the next IBLCE enewsletter for the answer to this quiz of the quarter!

 

Connect with IBLCE on Social Media


Thank you for following the latest news about IBLCE on social media!  IBLCE has over 9,000 "Likes" on Facebook and 1,500 followers on Twitter!

 

 
  
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New IBCLC Examination Content Outline Available!

As a result of an extensive practice analysis initiative, IBLCE is releasing a new Detailed Content Outline (formerly called Exam Blueprint) effective for the 2016 IBCLC examination administrations.
 

As you may recall, IBLCE conducted a multi-year practice analysis initiative and you may have responded to the IBLCE practice analysis survey requesting your input and feedback on the current state of practice as an IBCLC.  In addition to demographic questions, the survey posed numerous questions regarding the
frequency and criticality of certain skills and practices.

 

A report on the practice analysis initiative will be available early in 2015, but in order to begin your preparation for 2016 now, IBLCE is disseminating the new Detailed Content Outline. The new content outline is similar in many respects to the last examination blueprint, you will notice an increased focus on clinical skills as well as the key tasks associated with developing a care plan.  The new content outline, like the previous Exam Blueprint, includes a "Chronological Periods" dimension.

 

Please bear in mind that if you are taking the IBCLC examination in 2015, the traditional Exam Blueprint serves as the framework for the examination.  If you are planning to take the IBCLC examination in 2016, the new Detailed Content Outline should be your focus.

 

More information regarding the IBCLC Practice Analysis will be available soon!

Available Now! Lactation Summit Executive Summary

In July 2014, IBLCE, ILCA and LEAARC hosted the 2014 Lactation Summit Addressing Inequities within the Lactation Consultant Profession in Phoenix, Arizona.

To find out more information about the Lactation Summit, including an Executive Summary of the event, click here!

New Board Officers

 

IBLCE is pleased to announce the new officers for the organisation.  The new IBLCE Chair is Tomoko Seo, M.D., IBCLC.  Dr. Seo is a paediatrician in Aichi, Japan and works in both a private maternity hospital as well as a paediatric clinic.  She has held the IBCLC since 1999 and is the former President of the Japanese Association of Lactation Consultants and a member of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine.  This is Dr. Seo's sixth year on the IBLCE Board.

Pursuant to the IBLCE Bylaws, the Chair-Elect rotates into the Chair position and the Chair rotates into the Immediate Past Chair position.  After a highly successful one-year term, Rachelle Lessen, M.S., R.D., IBCLC is now the Immediate Past Chair of the Board.   During her tenure, IBLCE enjoyed a period of continued growth and geographic expansion, approved a new Examination Translation Policy, engaged in extensive outreach including participation in this year's important Lactation Summit as well as meetings with the ELACTA Board, the DC Breastfeeding Coalition and the Virginia Breastfeeding Task Force Force.
 

Andrea Tekauc Golob
, MD, IBCLC is now the Chair-Elect of IBLCE.  She is a paediatrician, working as a neonatologist in the Perinatal Department of the University Clinic for Gynaecology and Perinatology in Maribor, Slovenia as well as an Associate Professor of Paediatrics at the University of Maribor.  Dr. Golob has just commenced her second term on the IBLCE Board and has gained a wealth of relevant experience through her service as Chair of the IBLCE Certification Committee.

 

The IBLCE Board elected Esm� Nel Hough, IBCLC as Treasurer.  Esm� has been active in La Leche League and holds a degree in Commerce from the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa.  Her previous experience as manager of a medical practice for twenty-four years is serving her well in her role as IBLCE's Treasurer.


Regina Roig-Romero, MPH, MCHES, IBCLC, with the WIC program in Miami, Florida continues her service as Secretary for the organisation.

Certificant Spotlight
 
IBCLCs work around the globe in a variety of practice settings in lactation care. This feature of the eNewsletter and IBLCE website highlights IBCLCs and the important work they perform for mothers, babies and families. Read about certificants around the world and why they value the IBCLC credential!

Mudiwah Kadeshe, her mother Bernice Ball, and granddaughter Zaila Ibrahim
 

 

Mudiwah Kadeshe, MSN, RNC-OB, IBCLC

 

One of Mudiwah Kadeshe's earliest memories as the fifth of nine children, is both being breastfed and seeing her mother breastfeed her siblings. 


Mudiwah then gave birth to four children of her own, and breastfed them as this is what she saw her mother do.  Her mother, now 91, has been Mudiwah's inspiration for how to approach pregnancy, birth and parenting.


Mudiwah's career spans 25 years of women's health nursing.  She entered the profession as she wanted to support women in their birthing choices.  She became an IBCLC in 2000 to enhance her knowledge and ability to reach more families.


Currently, Mudiwah works as a community-based lactation consultant in one of the poorest wards in Washington, DC.  In a grant-funded collaborative project between the DC Breastfeeding Coalition (DCBFC) and the Children's National Health System, she oversees the peer counselor services through the Children's National East of the River Lactation Support Center.


As Vice President of the DCBFC she also serves as that organization's program manager.  The coalition works to increase the number of Baby-Friendly hospitals in the District.


Today Mudiwah's 11 month-old granddaughter, who was exclusively breastfed for 6 months, shows all the health benefits associated with breastfeeding.  She continues to breastfeed, is walking, learning to talk and read, and has never been ill.  She is Mudiwah's motivation to help the current generation derive the benefits of what has been passed down through the family.  For Mudiwah's family, breastfeeding is the norm and she is pleased to be sharing this legacy with the community that she serves.

 

2014 Test Analysis Report
Now Available!

 

The 2014 IBCLC Test Analysis Report is now available on the IBLCE website!
 

Highlights from the report are that a total of 4,070 candidates took the IBCLC examination at 675 locations across 68 countries and territories and in 16 languages.  Additionally, of all the candidates, 83% of the candidates tested through computer-based testing (CBT) and 17% tested via paper & pencil.
 

The overall pass rate was 85.48% with an 82.08% pass rate for initial candidates.  100% of the candidates with 25 years as IBCLCs passed the examination!

IBLCE Certification Program Updates

 

As you know, there are three major "pathways" towards IBCLC certification.  Pathway 1 is premised on experience as a Recognised Health Professional and/or Recognised Mother Support Counsellor, Pathway 2 is via an academic program in human lactation and breastfeeding and Pathway 3 is grounded in a preapproved plan of direct supervision by an IBCLC.  As you will recall, effective 2012, each of the pathways required completion of 14 Health Sciences courses as well as 90 hours of lactation specific education.

 

Pathway 3
 

Effective October 1, 2014, Pathway 3 mentors need only to be currently certified IBCLCs and not recertified, as previously required.  This change is intended to align Pathway 2 and Pathway 3 requirements.  Please contact your IBLCE Regional Office if you have any questions about this change in requirements. 

 

Health Science Education
 

As you know, IBLCE requires successful completion of eight Health Sciences subjects provided by an accredited institution of higher learning as a prerequisite to each of the IBLCE "Pathways" to the IBCLC. See Health Sciences Guide, page 3.  Effective October 1, 2014, courses recognized by ACE Credit or equivalent college credit equivalency services will be accepted by IBLCE as being from an "accredited institution". Courses must also continue to meet all other aspects of IBLCE requirements described in the Health Sciences Education Guide.  This change was made to the requirements in recognition of the rapid developments in online education.

Education Provider Applying
for CERPs? Five Useful Tips
   

Obtaining IBLCE Continuing Education Recognition Points (CERPs) for educational programs is a value-added for participants.

 

Here are a few handy tips that will streamline the process if you are an educational provider.

 

1.    Abstracts

Ensure your presentation abstracts are accurate and describe the major issues covered in the presentation.

 

2.    Commercial Influence

Read the IBLCE Minimising Commercial Influence on Education Policy before you complete your application.

  • Are the trade displays in a separate room from the education?
  • Are your presenters declaring any potential conflict of interest?
  • Are any companies/manufactures restricted from displaying?

To find out these answers and more, just visit the IBLCE website.

 

3.    Advertising speakers in promotional material

Check with the presenters regarding their bibliography as some may have restrictions on what they can publically advertise, eg: some Board Members may be limited by the organisational bylaws.

 

4.    Certificates of attendance

All participants should receive a certificate that accurately records their attendance. The certificate must include the educational provider's name, date, name of attendee, IBLCE approval number and the number of L, E or R CERPs or instructional hours of topics covered by the IBLCE exam blueprint or content outline.

 

5.    Documentation

You may be called on to provide a copy of the required documentation for audit following the educational program. Ensure that you store the records in a secure place, for a minimum of 6 years. This includes attendance lists, declarations of conflict of interest, educational program, advertising materials, etc.

 

For more information or an application, just visit the IBLCE website.

 

If you need further clarification please contact your IBLCE Regional Office.

 

- Happy New Year from
the Board & Staff 
of IBLCE!