Lactation Consultants of Great Britain was formed in 1994 and is the association for those with the qualification of the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). We specialise in promoting, protecting and supporting breastfeeding and lactation issues. LCGB is an affiliate member of ILCA (International Lactation Consultants Association).

Our membership to the LCGB has risen steadily over a number of years as more colleagues appreciate the benefits of becoming a member (see LCGB Membership below). The number of members is currently at 269 ( June 2011)

In this capacity we are involved in the ILCA Partner Program. Since 2006 we have sponsored a Nigerian midwife, Musa Asibi Onyioza, to enable her to become a lactation consultant. Our sponsorshop pays her ILCA membership fee and gives her access to the Journal of Human Lactation and other materials. She became an IBCLC in 2008. See the News page for more information.

LCGB believes that it is the right of every woman to breastfeed her children and the right of every child to receive human milk. Further, we believe it is the right of every woman to receive accurate and consistent information and support for breastfeeding and lactation. The lactation consultant respects these rights regardless of age, race, religion, ability, economic or social status.
Statement of purpose is:

• Fostering an awareness in health professionals of human milk feeding as an important preventative health measure, and providing continuing professional education
  
  
• Creating an awareness of the importance of breastmilk and breastfeeding; and the hazards of substitutes
  
  
• Making representations to relevant authorities on issues of concern to Lactation Consultants and serving as an advisory body for such authorities
  
  
• Co-operating with other individuals and organisations within the United Kingdom (UK) and overseas, that have aims and objective in whole or part, similar to the association
  
  
• Encouraging research into, and disseminating information on all aspects of lactation
  
  
• Supporting the International Code of the Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes as interpreted by the World Health Organisation and the World Health Assembly
  
  
• Liasing with manufacturers and providers of goods and services used by breastfeeding families and evaluating such goods and services
  
  
• Evaluating existing lactation and infant nutrition programmes, and if deemed necessary suggesting changes
  
  
• Establishing and maintaining a UK directory of human milk banks
  
  
• Producing written and audio-visual materials on issues of concern to Lactation Consultants, the health care professional and lay counsellors
  
  
• Providing a forum for discussion and communication between Lactation consultants
  
  

"A lactation consultant is a health care professional whose scope of practice is focused upon providing education and management to prevent and solve breastfeeding problems and to encourage a social environment that effectively supports the breastfeeding mother/infant dyad" ILCA 1993.
A certified Lactation Consultant has passed the fully-credited examination set by the International Board of Lactation Consultants Examiners (IBLCE), "The IBLCE's mission statement is to certify, by means of an internationally recognised examination, individuals who demonstrate their competence to practice as International Board Certified Lactation Consultants, providing quality care to babies and mothers world-wide" ICLA 1995.

Periodic re-certification is mandated by the IBLCE thus ensuring continuing competence and up-to-date information. Only successful candidates may use the title 'International Board Certified Lactation Consultant'.

Becoming a lactation consultant.
Articles published by two of our members on their experience of becoming an IBCLC. Click on the image below to open the full document.

Becoming a Lactation Consultant - A.Blenkinsop

A passion for Breastfeeding L.Timms

For a Candidate Information Guide contact uk@iblce-europe.org or visit the following link, which contains all exam information: www.iblce-europe.org

• Provide quality breastfeeding care and information
  
• Provide specialist one-to-one care
• Develop and implement a breastfeeding protocol
• Improve the lactation knowledge and skills of other staff
• Create an awareness of the UK UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative
• Develop and implement a breastfeeding clinic/drop in centre
• Reduction in health care costs