The IBCLC Care Award, sponsored by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners^® (IBLCE^®) and the International Lactation Consultant Association^® (ILCA^®), recognises hospitals and community-based facilities that demonstrate their commitment to promoting, protecting, and supporting breastfeeding and the IBCLC.

Join the growing number of facilities already recognised for their commitment to hiring IBCLCs and to dedicated lactation programmes! In 2023, the IBCLC Care Award saw incredible growth, including:

• a 40% increase in hospital-based facilities, and
• a 14% increase in community-based health agencies.

Congratulations to the 2023 new and renewing IBCLC Care Award recipients! Visit the IBCLC Care Directory to learn more.

Learn more about how your organisation can be recognised and prepare to apply in 2024 here.

IBLCE Immediate Past Chair Mona Sakr, MBBS, MSc, IBCLC (left) and IBLCE Mexico Coordinator Alejandra Gutiérrez Montero, MD, IBCLC (right) attend the 28th annual ABM International Meeting.

IBLCE exhibited at the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine’s 28th Annual International Meeting in Schaumburg, IL, November 9-12, 2023. An estimated 250-300 international breastfeeding medicine practitioners gathered near Chicago for three days of education and networking, and IBLCE was there.

At the IBLCE exhibitor’s table, interested attendees learned about the initial requirements to become an IBCLC, recertification requirements, and scholarship opportunities through the Monetary Investment for Lactation Consulting Certification (MILCC). It was a great opportunity to connect with new and recertifying IBCLCs and support the advancement of breastfeeding and lactation care!

If you are an employer looking to add IBCLCs to your team, the IBLCE Career Centre is the go-to place for you!

With nearly 36,000 IBCLCs in 131 countries, IBLCE is the organisation with the broadest reach in the lactation field.

IBLCE's Career Centre receives approximately 10,000 views a year. Your job post will also reach 30,000+ followers on IBLCE social media channels.

With the largest list in lactation, IBLCE is the source to locate IBCLCs for your hospital, clinic, or practice.

Learn more about pricing and fill out the Interest Form for your job posting today!

As Chair of the Board of Directors, IBLCE CEO Sara Lake recently presented at a preconference session at the annual conference of The Institute for Credentialing Excellence regarding “The Future of Credentialing,” welcomed approximately 800 conference attendees, and participated in the Annual Awards Ceremony and Volunteer Breakfast. The annual meeting is one of the largest gatherings of credentialing professionals worldwide.

IBLCE • www.iblce.org • Contact

Commission and IBCLC News

Update on the WHO Code and the IBCLC Credential

As shared in previous IBLCE Briefings, IBLCE continues to work to update its policies and procedures to strengthen its commitment to the aims of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes (WHO Code) and subsequent World Health Assembly (WHA) resolutions.



The previously announced WHO Code training requirement for initial IBCLC examination candidates and recertifying IBCLCs will go into effect for candidates applying for the examination or recertification in 2025. Additional information will be shared soon—stay tuned!

IBCLC Commission • www.ibclc-commission.org • Contact

Monetary Investment for Lactation Consultant Certification^® (MILCC^®) Scholarship Profile

MILCC Is Making a Difference!

“The MILCC scholarship made my dream of becoming an IBCLC possible!

When I wanted to earn the IBCLC, I could not pursue it on my own. Now I work at my local hospital in Chiquimula, Guatemala, supporting low-income mothers and babies and many adolescent mothers. I also lead the hospital's committee to earn the Baby Friendly (BFHI) designation.



Thank you for your support!”

— Alicia Verónica Ruíz Alonzo de Zaparolli, IBCLC, 2021 MILCC JoAnne W. Scott (JWS) Scholarship Recipient, Chiquimula, Guatemala

MILCC • www.milcc.org • milcc@iblce.org

Global Centre for Lactation Training (GCLT) ^TM News

The Centre continues to develop new offerings and is looking forward to providing a number of exciting new educational opportunities in 2024! Check out the website to learn more.

Global Centre for Lactation Training (GCLT) ^TM • www.gclt.org • info@gclt.org

Season’s Greetings from IBLCE & Affiliates

Wishing you and yours a warm holiday season and all the best in the New Year!

This briefing is being translated and will be disseminated in all IBLCE languages in the immediate future.