ILCA NEWS

UCSD Course Accredited by ILEAC
The University of California San Dieo course, Lactation Consultant Training Program, has been accredited by the International Lactation Education Accredidation Council (ILEAC).

Much of what appeared in the ILCA Scope of Practice was used to develop ILCA's Standards of Practice, which are a best-practices guideline for professional lactation consultants. This document also contained a detailed framework of competencies that were incorporated into the Clinical Competencies for IBCLC Practice, a collaborative effort between ILCA and IBLCE. Material from the original ILCA Scope of Practice was also used to develop ILEAC's accreditation guidelines and to identify subject areas for ILCA's Core Curriculum. The ILCA Scope of Practice also acknowledges and supports the IBLCE Code of Ethics, containing the mandatory code of conduct expected of IBCLCs.

ILCA Welcomes New WHO Secretary General
On January 4, 2007, Dr. Margaret Chan took office as the new Secretary General of the World Health Organization. Dr. Chan, from the People's Republic of China, has extensive experience with managing outbreaks of communicable diseases such as avian influenza and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

ILCA welcomes Dr. Chan to her new post. As an NGO with formal relations with the WHO, ILCA looks forward to continuing our productive relationship in protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding and IBCLCs worldwide. To learn more about Dr. Chan, read her biography at the WHO website.

Call for Poster Presentations for 2007 ILCA Conference
Poster Presentation proposals are being accepted in the areas of Research and Projects. Some Research Poster Presentations will be selected for oral presentation during a Concurrent Session as well. Proposal submissions must be done on-line using ILCA’s submission site. The deadline for proposal submissions is March 1, 2007 at 11:59 pm U.S. Eastern Standard Time (EST). [read more]

IBCLC Day - Wednesday March 7, 2007
This Is Your Day--How Will YOU Celebrate?
The first Wednesday in March is set aside as IBCLC Day, a day to promote IBCLCs worldwide. What will you do to celebrate in your part of the world? Giving some thought now to what you might do to recognize the work IBCLCs do in your community will make for a nice celebration in March. ILCA is here to assist you with some planning ideas to promote your IBCLC credential. The February eGlobe will have more promotional ideas and you can find suggestions and resources on the IBCLC Day page of the ILCA website. We also invite you to post your celebration ideas to the ILCA Discussion Board. For more information, contact ILCA's IBCLC Day Coordinator, Kendall Cox, at kendall@everymother.org. Keep reading for some ideas to get you started [read more]:

Call for Research Grant Applications
ILCA awards competitive small grants to ILCA members who submit proposals with scientific merit. Currently the amount of the award is $4000. Grant applications are due April 1 of each year. If after reading the grant application (PDF file) you need more information about ILCA Research Grants, contact the Research Committee Chair, Joan E. Dodgson, PhD, MPH, RN, IBCLC, at dodgson@hawaii.edu.

Second Credential – Results on Web
ILCA has been providing members with numerous opportunities to provide feedback and comments on the proposed IBLCE second credential. The results from the online Second Credential Survey are now available on the ILCA website. The results feature statistical measures of member responses, as well as over 59 pages of comments. Visit the document to read the comments of your colleagues on this issue of immense importance to the profession of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants.

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

CLCA/ACCL 20th Anniversary Celebration

Isabelle Cote, incoming President; Joan Fisher, First President; former Board members Frances Jones and Diana Warfield; and Carole Dobrich, Vice President

On November 9th, 2006, the Canadian Lactation Consultant Association / Association canadienne des consultantes en lactation (CLCA/ACCL) celebrated, with great pride, its 20th anniversary! The current board of directors invited all members and supporters to a Wine and Cheese reception in Montreal, Québec. This 20th Anniversary event was held during the La Leche League's 19th Annual Symposium on Breastfeeding, which was organized in collaboration with CLCA/ACCL. read more about this memorable event, as supplied by CLCA/ACCL Secretary Donna Brown.

CLCA/ACCL invites IBCLC's across the world to visit their website at www.clca-accl.ca and read about news and events in Canada. [read more]

Breastfeeding Research Featured in USA Today

Barbara Morrison holding cover story

Research published by Dr. Barbara Morrison, Assistant Professor at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, was featured as the lead story in the December 3, 2006 issue of USA Today newspaper. Dr. Morrison presented her work on interruptions to the breastfeeding dyad at the 2006 ILCA Conference in Philadelphia. Part of her research was published in the November 2006 issue of JOGNN (35(6):709-716). But the distinction of appearing in a national news daily was definitely a highlight. Congratulations!

Medela Announces Inductees into Lactation Consultant Hall of Excellence
On December 15, 2006, Medela announced the three lactation consultants to be inducted into the inaugural Lactation Consultant Hall of Excellence. The program, launched by Medela at the 2006 ILCA Conference, recognizes U.S.-based lactation consultants who exemplify best practices, hard work and outstanding dedication to their profession. The inaugural inductees are Sylvia Delaney, Aimee Gross and Rebecca Mannel. All three professionals are members of ILCA, and Ms. Mannel is ILCA's current President. Congratulations to these three women for their long service and dedication to women, their communities, and their profession! For more information about these inductees, the award, and the process for selection, visit Medela's Website.

VOLUNTEERS

ILCA Task Force on Ethical Practice Guidelines: Call for Chair and Members
The ILCA Board is convening a task force to develop a framework for ethical decision-making. This framework will complement existing ethical practice standards to assist IBCLCs in determining the proper course of action. Task Force members will identify issues and situations requiring direction and then develop materials which will provide ethical practice guidelines for IBCLCs. All work is anticipated to be completed within a year. Learn more about the ILCA Task Force on Ethical Practice Guidelines and download an application . All applications are due to the ILCA Office by January 12, 2007. [read more]

ILCA Publications Committee: Call for Committee Members
The Publications Committee will coordinate the monitoring, production and periodic review of ILCA position papers and other publications. IBCLCs have need for evidence-based position papers, clinical guidelines and policy statements. It benefits the IBCLC profession, and credential, for the professional association to have a body of timely resources for its members' use. Learn more about the Publications Committee and download an application. All applications are due to the ILCA Office by January 12, 2007. [read more]

International Lactation Education Accreditation Council (ILEAC): Call for Committee Member
ILCA members who are current IBCLCs and interested in education are encouraged to consider participating in this important opportunity to advance the lactation profession. Those applying for the current membership opening must meet the following criteria: Active clinical practice, an interest and knowledge about the principles of professional education, and NOT serving as a current course director. Committee description and application are available on the ILCA website at http://ilca.org/education/ileac.php. Interested members may also contact ILCA's Education Coordinator, Judi Lauwers, at judilauwers@ilca.org.

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