eNewsletter from the Board of IBLCE

The number of exam applications increased by 18% in Europe and the Middle East, 25% in the Americas and Israel, and by an incredible 59% in the Asia-Pacific & Africa region.

There are now over 28,800 IBCLCs in 105 countries, and IBLCE looks forward to the continued growth of the IBCLC credential around the world, and the positive effect it has on the health of families and their communities.

IBLCE Advances the IBCLC in Peru

In August, IBLCE Board Members and Senior Staff held IBLCE's biannual Board Meeting in Lima, Peru to reach out to its Latin American stakeholders.

While in Peru, IBLCE met with UNICEF-Peru representatives to discuss Peru's breastfeeding rates and outcomes and the pivotal role of the IBCLC.

Additionally, IBLCE met with members of the Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of Women and Vulnerable Populations and the Lactation Commission, in an extraordinary session held at the Ministry of Public Health. Topics of discussion included Peru's strategy to sustain and increase its breastfeeding rates and the importance of the IBCLC in achieving these goals.

IBLCE Board and Staff visit UNICEF-Peru

with Peruvian IBCLCs.

IBLCE also participated in El Primer Congreso Internacional de Lactancia Materna y Salud Infantil, which counted among its presenters renowned luminaries in breastfeeding.

While in Lima, IBLCE also met with a large group of IBCLCs from across Latin America and learned about the successes and challenges of certificants in this part of the world and strengthened its relationship with stakeholders in the region.

Dr. Sarah Maria Vega Sanchez (second from left)

with local IBCLCs and conference attendees

IBLCE values the opportunity to meet with IBCLCs worldwide and greatly appreciated the hospitality of Lima, its citizens, Government and Non-Governmental Organisations and looks forward to continued support of IBCLCs around the globe!

IBLCE Board meeting the Ministry of Health,

UNICEF Peru, and members of the IBCLC community

A Tribute to Miriam Labbok

IBLCE recognises with sorrow the recent passing of former IBLCE Board Member and colleague, Miriam Labbok, MD, MPH, IBCLC.

IBLCE Board Member Clifton Kenon described Dr. Labbock in the following tribute.

"Dr. Labbok was a dedicated and lifelong scholar, researcher, innovator, educator, mentor and lactation consultant who leaves behind a legacy that will influence and motivate future professionals for many years to come. Dr. Labbok, an IBCLC for multiple decades, dedicated her life to ending preventable child death through research, advocacy, and practice. A physician and scientist, Dr. Labbok was known far and wide for her work on breastfeeding, family planning, and the health workforce. She was dedicated and sincerely passionate about the future lactation workforce and worked endlessly to create opportunity, dismantle barriers, and diversify the profession on every level. She was a selfless and humble colleague who will forever be cherished for her dedication and perseverance, the benefits of both of which will be felt for many years to come."

Former Board Member Tomoko Seo added that "Miriam always encouraged me to promote, protect and support breastfeeding since I first met her at an ABM meeting in Vancouver in 2002. She 'lit my fire' with her passion on breastfeeding."

IBLCE recognises with great appreciation all that Dr. Labbok contributed to the field of lactation and all she accomplished to help babies and families around the world. Her legacy will continue to inspire those who follow her path in dedication to promoting, protecting and supporting breastfeeding.

Past Board Chair Tomoko Seo with Miriam Labbok in 2004

Promoting the IBCLC in Ecuador

As a part of IBLCE's promotion of the IBCLC credential in a host of countries around the world, Director of Promotion and Advancement for the Americas & Israel, Saray Hill, IBCLC, traveled to Guayaquil, Ecuador where she met with IBCLCs and healthcare professionals.

Saray visited the maternity hospital Marianita de Jesus of Guayaquil, where she presented regarding the IBCLC credential and the process of becoming certified. The session was coordinated by Oswaldo Andrade, MD, IBCLC, head of the Department of Neonatology. Dr. Andrade has worked tirelessly to improve the health outcomes of infants with the increase of breastfeeding support in his facility. This work led to the founding of the city's first Breastmilk Bank to support numerous breastfeeding dyads.

IBLCE recognises with appreciation IBCLCs Oswaldo Andrade, MD, IBCLC, Ana Ortiz, MD, IBCLC, Monica Altamirano, RN, IBCLC and Priscilla Loor, RN, IBCLC and will continue to support their efforts in promoting IBLCE's mission and vision among their peers, government institutions and the public.

Director of Promotion and Advancement for the Americas & Israel,

Saray Hill (third from right) and meeting participants at the maternity hospital Marianita de Jesus of Guayaquil.

When Ethics Complaints are Appropriate, and When They are Not

This is the second of a series of periodic articles designed to illuminate the Ethics & Discipline (E & D) process.

The IBLCE Code of Professional Conduct for IBCLCs ("CPC" or "Code") is an important tool for enhancing and maintaining ethical conduct in the lactation consultant profession. The Code addresses many important aspects of professional conduct. Those IBCLCs who violate the Code are subject to disciplinary action, including censure, suspension or revocation of their credential. Such action is important to maintain the integrity of the IBCLC certification and justify public trust.

However, IBLCE has recently received increasing numbers of ethics complaints against IBCLCs, including many involving personal or commercial disputes or differences in professional opinion. A significant number of these complaints do not involve substantive violations of the Code and, as a result, are not appropriate for action under the IBLCE Disciplinary Procedures.

The IBLCE Disciplinary Procedures were designed to handle complaints concerning an IBCLC's unethical conduct in violation of the CPC. The Disciplinary Procedures are not, however, designed to serve as the venue for the resolution of disputes of a commercial or personal nature. The introductory language in the Disciplinary Procedures stipulates that individuals bringing complaints are not entitled to any relief or damages by virtue of IBLCE's disciplinary process. Therefore, when complainants have the intention of retribution against an IBCLC, rather than providing notice of clearly unethical conduct as addressed in the Code, the complaints are likely not appropriate for action.

Complaints falling in the category of what is referred to as being of a commercial nature include those complaints that largely center around matters such as a business contract dispute or that involve allegations of lost, stolen, or mishandled property. Further, reasonable differences of professional opinion are also not considered appropriate complaints under IBLCE's disciplinary procedures.

Similarly, disputes of a personal nature, such as claims that an IBCLC's conduct amounted to defamation or disparagement, are not deemed actionable by IBLCE under the Disciplinary Procedures. Disagreements and insults should not escalate to the point where ethics complaints are made to exact revenge or punishment. Such personal disputes do not rise to the level of violations of the CPC that require IBLCE's time and resources. Such commercial and personal disputes should be resolved without resorting to IBLCE's Disciplinary Procedures, and if they cannot be worked out between the two parties, the appropriate remedy may be a legal one but not one involving IBLCE's disciplinary processes.

IBLCE appreciates careful consideration prior to bringing any ethics complaint, so that only complaints where the major component rises to the level of unethical conduct absent personal vendetta are considered and investigated by IBLCE as potential violations of the CPC under the Disciplinary Procedures.

The Disciplinary Procedures will include the following addition:

"These Procedures are designed to resolve only complaints concerning potential unethical conduct of an IBCLC within the meaning of the Code of Professional Conduct (the 'Code'). These Procedures are not applicable to disputes of a commercial or personal nature, such as claims that an IBCLC's conduct amounted to defamation or disparagement, or to differences in professional opinion. Such matters should be resolved without resorting to these Procedures. Only complaints where the major component rises to the level of unethical conduct under the Code will be considered actionable by IBLCE under these Procedures."

Important Information Regarding Examination Breastfeeding Breaks

IBLCE actively promotes breastfeeding and extends this promotion to certification examination candidates. It is very important to IBLCE that candidates who are breastfeeding receive a good experience on exam day. IBLCE works together with the examination administration vendor to provide candidates an appropriate environment to breastfeed or pump on the day of the IBCLC exam.

After asking candidates their preferences during the application process, e ach breastfeeding candidate receives an individualised plan for exam day, which includes finding the closest testing centre to the candidate that can provide the experience that IBLCE expects, and a 30-minute break during the exam to breastfeed or pump.

To help ensure IBLCE and the vendor have the most
up-to-date information, IBLCE asks a series of questions
about candidate preferences during the exam application process. We ask that candidates provide IBLCE with accurate and up-to-date information so that we can all work together to provide breastfeeding candidates with a satisfactory breastfeeding experience on the day of the exam.

The breastfeeding experience during the examination is very important to IBLCE, and IBLCE seeks to constantly improve in order to make the exam experience better.

Questions? Please contact your regional customer service team for more information.

The IBLCE Customer Service Team is Here to Serve You!

In addition to assisting candidates, IBLCE serves over 28,800 current IBCLCs in 105 countries from three locations across the globe. We provide direct phone, email and online customer service in four languages: English, French, Spanish, and German. The team can assist with a wide range of questions, from candidates who are interested in the IBCLC credential and need help navigating the requirements, to assisting IBCLCs with understanding the recertification requirements and much more.

Customer service is extremely important to IBLCE and the organisation strives for continuous quality improvement. Customer service is provided by geographic region, so take a look at which team serves you and reach out to them with any questions. The team constantly strives to improve, and feedback is welcome. Visit http://iblce.org/about-iblce/worldwide-offices/ and http://iblce.org/about-iblce/questions-and-support/ for contact information.

In addition to these four key languages, there is a network of country coordinators across the world who provide information in approximately 33 additional languages. Click here to learn more http://iblce.org/about-iblce/iblce-country-coordinators/

Country Coordinator Corner

IBLCE has a network of Country Coordinators around the globe to help you get the answers you need on IBCLC certification and recertification. Country Coordinators are available to help with country specific questions and to answer questions in your language. If they don't immediately have the answer for you, they will help get the answer for you in your language shortly.

As a new feature, IBLCE is spotlighting Country Coordinators. In this issue, IBLCE focuses on a long time and valued country coordinator.

Rachel Walker

Rachel is a registered nurse and was a manager of a postnatal unit for many years. When she had her own children she became a La Leche League leader and provided support to other mothers in her local area. In 1986, the second year of the IBLCE exam, Rachel flew to Melbourne, Australia to sit the exam. She was the first IBCLC in New Zealand, and one of the very few in the Asia-Pacific region. She became the Country Coordinator in New Zealand in the late 80s. Her passion to support women to achieve their breastfeeding goals is her motivation. She has supported hundreds of professionals over the years by providing information to help them earn the IBCLC.

New Board Officers

IBCLE is pleased to announce the new officers for the organisation.

The new IBLCE Chair is Regina Roig-Romero, MPH, MCHES, IBCLC. Regina became an IBCLC in 1996 and served most recently as the Deputy Breastfeeding Coordinator, and before that, Senior Lactation Consultant for the Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Breastfeeding Program at the Florida Department of Health in Miami, Florida for 20 years. She served as a La Leche League Leader for several years and previously served as Secretary of the IBLCE Board. She is currently pursuing her PhD at the University of South Florida.

Esmé Hough, IBCLC, is now the Chair-Elect of IBLCE. Esmé has been a La Leche League Leader since 1986, and became an IBCLC in 2002. She previously served as Treasurer for IBLCE.

Clifton Kenon, Jr, DNP, MSN, RN, IBCLC, RLC, was elected as IBLCE's new Treasurer. Clifton has been an IBCLC since 2009 and currently serves as a Senior Research Advisor in the Office of Population and Reproductive Health at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Micaela Notarangelo, PhD, IBCLC, continues her service as Secretary. Micaela has a PhD in Economics and runs a private lactation consultation practice in Lerici, La Spezia, Italy.

Board of Directors' Transitions

IBLCE is pleased to announce the election of three new members to the IBLCE Board of Directors. At the same time, IBLCE bids farewell to valued former Board members including Public Member Aimee Eden, Past Chair Tomoko Seo, and Dale Hansson. IBLCE thanks them for their work on behalf of the organisation.

Betty Hsiao is the former Director of the Breastfeeding Association of Taiwan. She has worked with breastfeeding families since 1992, and was one of the earliest IBCLCs from a non-medical background in Taiwan. She currently works as a private IBCLC in Sydney, Australia, working with a variety of local families including those in the Chinese speaking community.

Christina (Christy) Porucznik, PhD, MSPH, is an Associate Professor and the Associate Chief for Education in the Division of Public Health of the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine at the University of Utah School of Medicine. Dr. Porucznik studies endocrine disruptors and reproductive endpoints including fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and breastfeeding as well as how environmental exposures affect the health of children. Her other research area is prescription medications, primarily opioids, and the impact of policy changes on drug dispensing and adverse events. Dr. Porucznik has volunteered as a La Leche League Leader since 2008 and secured the grant funding to found the Salt Lake Mothers' Milk Donation Center to facilitate nonprofit milk banking. She continues to be involved with the developing Mountain West Mothers' Milk Bank.

Cecilia Tomori, PhD, MA, joins the board as the new Public Member. Cecilia is a an anthropologist and Research Associate at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Dr. Tomori's research examines the sociocultural aspects of health, illness and inequality with a focus on breastfeeding, and she has authored a book and numerous articles on these issues. She has been fortunate to have been supported in breastfeeding her two children, and hopes that in the future all families will receive support for their own breastfeeding journeys.

Certificant Spotlight

IBCLCs work around the globe in a variety of practice settings in lactation. This feature of the eNewsletter and IBLCE website highlight 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!

Julia Marìa Sánchez Bermudez

Julia Maria Sanchez Bermudez is a paediatrician and IBCLC with over 15 years of experience in Paediatrics, outpatient care and hospitalised care at Children's Hospital in Lima, Peru.

Julia studied medicine at the Faculty of Medicine of the National University Federico Villarreal in Lima. She completed her internships in various public hospitals and during her practice found that she loved caring for children and families. This led her to make the decision to specialise in paediatrics. Julia conducted several studies related to children's health, noting that it is important to support the parent and child through breastfeeding in order for the child to develop and grow healthy and happy, as well as strengthen the bond between parent and child.

As an IBCLC, Julia enjoys working with families in order to support them in achieving their breastfeeding goals.

Thanks to the vision of the IBCLC, Julia and her colleagues provide breastfeeding education to the Paediatric residents and students in the undergraduate program of Medicine and Nutrition as well as the health and administrative staff of the National Institute of Child Health.

La Leche League Celebrates

60th Anniversary

Congratulations to La Leche League International on the 60th anniversary of its founding! La Leche League Leaders are vital members of the breastfeeding community, as they work daily to support families and promote the importance of breastfeeding across the globe. IBLCE thanks La Leche League for all it does to help support breastfeeding families and their communities.

IBLCE News & Notes

IBLCE, including the Board of Directors and staff, do much more than administer the IBCLC examination and are pleased to share information about the many initiatives in which IBLCE is involved and how they work to promote the IBCLC credential.

Board Member Roberto Issler was recently appointed as a member of the Breastfeeding Scientific Department of the Brazilian Paediatric Society.

APA Regional Director Karolyn Vaughan promoted the IBCLC at the New Zealand Midwives Conference in September 2016. In October, she promoted the IBCLC at the La Leche League New Zealand Conference and the Lactation Consultants of Australia and New Zealand (LCANZ) Conference.

Director of Promotion and Advancement for the Americas and Israel, Saray Hill and Manager, Global Digital Communications and Committees, Kelley Pederson promoted the IBCLC at the International Childbirth Educators Association (ICEA) Conference in Denver, CO in October.

APA Regional Director Karolyn Vaughan and Country Coordinator for Australia Marj Duncan at the LCANZ Conference.

IBLCE Board Director Profile

As an ongoing feature, the IBLCE eNewsletter features an IBLCE Board member and includes information about the focus of the Board member's work on behalf of the IBCLC community and the public.

IBLCE Board Member Kelly Valceanu (left) and her colleagues

Kelly Valceanu

Kelly Valceanu, MA, MSN, CNM, IBCLC has been working with breastfeeding dyads for many years. After receiving support with her own breastfeeding challenges from a La Leche League Leader while overseas, she felt the strong desire to carry this supportive role forward. After returning to the United States, she became a La Leche League leader herself.

Her interest in working with mothers and babies grew and she became a DONA certified labor doula. After working in this role for over ten years, she then became a birth assistant working with Certified Nurse-Midwives in an out-of-hospital birth centre. These opportunities allowed her to work with dyads in various stages and settings.

Eventually her training and passion led her to become a Certified Nurse-Midwife. She graduated with an MSN from Frontier Nursing University and now "catches" babies at the first Baby-Friendly Hospital in the state of Maryland. She became an IBCLC just after graduating midwifery school and views this as one of her greatest achievements, validating the many hours she has worked with her teachers, the families and babies themselves.

In her private practice, she enjoys spending time working with families before and after pregnancy to establish a healthy breastfeeding relationship.

Kelly is a valuable member of the IBLCE Finance Committee. On a personal note, she and her husband of 25 years have two teenage sons. Kelly is originally from California and is often busy creating in the kitchen.

- The Board and Staff

of IBLCE