The International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) is the professional association for International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) and other health care professionals who care for breastfeeding families.

Our vision is a worldwide network of lactation professionals. Our mission is to advance the profession of lactation consulting worldwide through leadership, advocacy, professional development, and research.

International Focus
ILCA is a non-governmental organization (NGO) with UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO). ILCA provides official representatives to many organizations, including the World Health Assembly, Codex Alimentarius, Food and Agriculture Organization, International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners, Inc., and U.S. based groups such as the United States Breastfeeding Committee, Healthy Mothers/Healthy Babies Coalition, Breastfeeding Promotion Consortium, and Healthy People 2010 Coalition.  

Membership
ILCA has more than 4,000 members from 50 nations, and includes a wide variety of health professionals, including IBCLCs, midwives, nurses, physicians and medical practitioners, childbirth educators, dietitians, and many more. ILCA members are also maternal and infant health advocates, public health specialists, and volunteer support counselors. ILCA networks with more than 50 local, regional, national, and international lactation affiliate groups worldwide. Click here to join ILCA now!

What is an IBCLC?
An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is a health care professional who specializes in the clinical management of breastfeeding. IBCLCs are certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners, Inc. (www.iblce.org) under the direction of the U.S. National Commission for Certifying Agencies. IBCLCs work in a wide variety of health care settings, including hospitals, pediatric offices, public health clinics, and private practice.

Now taking orders for the 2008 World Breastfeeding Week Kit!