Lactation Consultants of Great Britain was formed in 1994 and is the association for the health professional, 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).

What is LCGB's philosophy?

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.

• 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 Kingsom (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 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

What is a Lactation consultant?

"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/infand 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'.

What are the benefits of certification for health care facilities?

• 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
  
  

Full membership is offered to IBCLCs, and associate membership is open to anyone with an interest in supporting our aims, especially those preparing for the exam. Membership includes a regular newsletter, discounts at LCGB study days/conferences, an annual vote, a directory of its members, a library of resources, access to a Yahoo chat group for members only, and a welcome at our bi-monthly meetings.