New Global Breastfeeding Scorecard Now Available! | | |
The 2024 Global Breastfeeding Scorecard is now out! Published by UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO), the 2024 Scorecard shows both encouraging developments around the world and the need for continued progress to reach breastfeeding goals. Some exciting highlights include:
- Exclusive breastfeeding rates for infants under six months rising more than ten percentage points over the past twelve years worldwide
- Marked progress in countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Oceania
- New legislation and national programmes in Timor-Leste, China, Nigeria, Somalia, and Uganda increasing breastfeeding protection and support
The Global Breastfeeding Collective (GBC), which hosts the Scorecard on its website, is a group of prominent international groups, including IBLCE®, that advocate for investments in breastfeeding, assist policymakers and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) with implementing solutions, and facilitate public support to achieve results in increased rates of breastfeeding for children, families, and nations. Access the Global Breastfeeding Scorecard on the GBC website.
| | Announcing New IBLCE Strategic and Regional Professional Team Members | | IBLCE is delighted to welcome Lilly Hubschman-Shahar, DNP, RN, NNP-BC, IBCLC®, Senior Director, Strategic Initiatives, and Mona Sakr, MBBS, MSc, IBCLC, Director of Promotion & Advancement for Europe, the Middle East, & North Africa! | | |
Lilly Hubschman-Shahar is an IBCLC and a doctorally-prepared nurse practitioner with a career-long dedication to maternal-child health. For over 15 years, Lilly has provided direct patient care and strategic support to healthcare organisations, private practices, and startups. Her work in lactation telehealth was recognised as a nominee for the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Outstanding DNP Project / Excellence in Advancing Nursing Practice Award and by the publication of a systematic review in Breastfeeding Medicine. She resides in the Washington, DC area with her husband, two rescue pups, and her two young daughters whose resilience in their breastfeeding journeys provides continuous inspiration in her work. Among her duties, Lilly will be working to advance the IBCLC and IBLCE in the Americas & Israel.
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Hailing originally from Alexandria, Egypt, Mona Sakr has more than 20 years of professional experience in the maternal and child health (MCH) field, with 15 years in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). She established the first breastfeeding clinic in Ajman and was a founding member of the breastfeeding committee there, including serving as vice chair. The committee played a pivotal role in achieving the Baby-Friendly Hospital designation for the main healthcare institution there. With over five years of experience as MCH services coordinator, she presented at a number of national events. She also served as a trainer to her colleagues about UNICEF breastfeeding programmes, a key component of Baby-Friendly accreditation. She gained global expertise as a member of the IBLCE Board of Directors, serving as Chair from 2022-2023.
IBLCE is excited to welcome these two outstanding individuals to the IBLCE professional staff team, facilitating the next phase of growth and impact around the globe!
| | IBLCE at the Congreso Nacional ACCLAM 2025 (Asociación de Consultores Certificados en Lactancia de México A.C.) | | A group of IBCLCs from Mexico in attendance at the 10th annual Congress | | |
In February, IBLCE Coordinator for Mexico, Alejandra Gutiérrez, MD, IBCLC, represented IBLCE at the 10th Congreso Nacional ACCLAM 2025 (Asociación de Consultores Certificados en Lactancia de México A.C.) – National Congress ACCLAM 2025 (Association of IBCLCs of Mexico A.C.) in Ciudad de México, México.
The annual event brings together IBCLCs and healthcare professionals across Mexico and surrounding areas.
| | With approximately 130 attendees in person this year—including the historic presence of more than 50 active IBCLCs—the event provided many opportunities for these professionals to expand their understanding of current topics in lactation and breastfeeding. | | As part of its initiative to elevate awareness regarding the important work performed by IBCLCs, IBLCE facilitated publication of an article by lactation expert Joan Meek – paediatrician, IBCLC, and former IBLCE Board Chair – in First Time Parent Magazine. In 'Navigating Sore Nipples & When to Seek Professional Lactation Care', Dr Meek offered practical guidance for parents facing early breastfeeding challenges and emphasised the importance of timely support from a lactation professional. Read the article here. | | Important Updates: IBCLC Commission Decisions | | |
The Updated Interim Guidance on the Use of Technology to Meet Pathways 1, 2, and 3 Clinical Practice Requirements Has Been Extended to September 30, 2026
The IBCLC Commission recently extended the Updated Interim Guidance on the Use of Technology to Meet Pathways 1, 2 and 3 Clinical Practice Requirements through September 30, 2026.
Amendment to the Individual CERPs Guide
Effective January 1, 2026, the IBCLC Commission has approved an amendment to the Individual CERPs Guide based on the recommendation of the IBCLC Certification Committee. The Committee made this recommendation after reviewing requests from IBCLCs who volunteered their clinical expertise to support breastfeeding families during unfortunately all too frequent natural disasters.
This update allows for the award of CERPs to IBCLCs who volunteer their clinical expertise in support of breastfeeding families during local, regional, national, or international emergency situations. This decision reflects the Commission’s recognition of the vital role IBCLCs play in advancing global public health, including in emergency scenarios.
For more information on these updates, please visit the IBCLC Commission website.
| | IBCLC Digital Certificates: A New Tool for Professional Recognition and Visibility | | |
As announced in the October 2024 Briefing, IBLCE has transitioned to digital certificates, which have been going out in groups over the last few months. To date, IBCLC Programme staff has issued digital certificates to the following groups:
- IBCLCs who earned or recertified their credential in 2024
- IBCLCs who are due to recertify in 2025 and in 2026
We anticipate that all currently certified IBCLCs—over 38,000 certificants worldwide—will receive a digital certificate by September of this year!
These digital certificates allow for exciting options, including the ability to share on LinkedIn and other platforms, an IBCLC badge for easy use in signature lines, and more.
IBCLCs can now also purchase a physical certificate and/or ID card in their online credential management account. For assistance with ordering a printed certificate and/or ID card, please contact the region that serves you.
In addition, IBCLC lapel bar pins can be accessed with a donation here, and all proceeds from pin donations go directly to the MILCC Scholarship fund to support future IBCLCs and recertifying IBCLCs.
| | Monetary Investment for Lactation Consultant Certification (MILCC) News | | Save the Date: MILCC Scholarships Open June 1, 2025 | | |
MILCC® provides a variety of scholarships to aspiring or current IBCLCs in support of IBLCE’s Vision and Mission.
Applications for MILCC Scholarships for candidates planning to sit the examination or recertify in 2026 will be open on June 1, 2025. Please carefully note that, with the exception of the Dr. Clifton J. Kenon, Jr. Scholarships, the MILCC application window will close after 100 applications have been received or by June 30, 2025, whichever occurs first. The CJK Scholarships will remain open through June 30, 2025. It is anticipated that five (5) of these scholarships will be awarded.
So, you will want to save the date and be among the first to apply! Spread the word among your colleagues!
Applications for the following scholarships will open on June 1:
- The MILCC general scholarship for aspiring and recertifying IBCLCs;
- The JoAnne W. Scott Scholarship, named in honour of IBLCE’s primary founder and for those from peer-to-peer support group backgrounds;
- The Dr. Clifton J. Kenon, Jr. Scholarship, established by IBLCE and named in honour of a lactation luminary and former IBLCE Board member;
- The Global Humanitarian Scholarship, the newest scholarship established by IBLCE, designed to provide financial support to those affected by humanitarian crises occasioned by climate change, geopolitical issues, or natural disasters.
Learn more at www.milcc.org!
| | The MILCC Scholarship: Increasing Access to Lactation Care | | |
“The MILCC [general] scholarship afforded me the opportunity to take the exam required to become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). As a qualified IBCLC I am now able to confidently support families. Having the certification has also opened doors for me and given me access to opportunities in hospitals which would have been out of reach without it.
“I would like to thank MILCC and the donors who so generously make it possible for more people to become lactation consultants and provide the essential support that so many families are in need of. …More skilled professionals being accessible allows new parents and babies to receive adequate attention in light of the feeding dyad. Every parent and baby deserve the opportunity to feed as they would want to, with the right information and compassionate support. Thank you to all the donors past and to come, ensuring that another baby is fed and another parent finds peace and confidence.”
—Kay Muringi, IBCLC and 2023 MILCC Scholarship Recipient, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
| | Follow MILCC for the latest updates: | | Global Centre for Lactation Training (GCLT) ® News | | Call for Subject Matter Experts | | Are you a subject matter expert? Do you have a passion project or area of interest that you want to share? No idea is too big or too small. Apply now to share your knowledge with others and receive global exposure through the Centre! | | |
Looking for Quick Access to Cost-Effective Quality Education & Training?
Access the Centre’s Offerings!
| | Designed for a global audience, find these cost-effective educational offerings – with more in store – at www.gclt.org: | | |
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
| | 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 | | | | |
