Written by Amber McCann, IBCLC
In my few short weeks as the new co-editor of Lactation Matters, I have skidded right smack dab into a wall…the wall of realization that my perspective on our profession is overwhelmingly American. Of course, this is understandable as I was born in a small farming community right smack dab in Middle America. But, I desire to have a global perspective…to understand just how different life can be for mothers on the other side of the world. And how similar.
Photo by Tareq Salahuddin via Flickr
So, we need YOU! This blog is for all of us, IBCLCs from the United States and from Australia and from Japan and from South Africa and from Ireland…and everywhere in between.
We need your STORIES.
We need your PERSPECTIVE.
We need your LEADS to innovative people who are making a difference.
If you know of someone or something that needs profiled here, please comment with how we might get in touch with you. If there is breaking news in your country, let us know. If you know of research being conducted or published in your part of the world, reach out so that we can include it here.
I am proud to be an INTERNATIONAL Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Help us make this blog international as well.
Amber McCann, IBCLC
Amber McCann, IBCLC is a board certified lactation consultant in private practice with Nourish Breastfeeding Support, just outside if Washington, DC and the co-editor of this blog. She is particularly interested in connecting with mothers through social media channels and teaching others in her profession to do the same. In addition to her work here, she has written for a number of other breastfeeding support blogs including The Leaky Boob and Best for Babes and served on the Communications Team for GOLD Conference . When she’s not furiously composing tweets (follow her at@iamambermccann) or updating her Facebook page, she’s probably snuggling with one of her three children or watching terrible reality TV.
Hi Amber, I am sure ILCA & the IBLCE are aware of the fact that Denise Fisher, the Director of Health-e-Learning, the on-line world wide breastfeeding education business operated from Queensland, Australia, has recently been awarded an AM.
The AUSTRALIA MEDAL, awarded in the Queens Jubilee Birthday Honor Awards, 2 weeks ago, was for her services to Nursing, particularly in the area of Breastfeeding and Lactation Management and the Health and Well being of Mothers and Babies.
I feel this wonderful news is very note worthy, as many of Denise’s students, from many country’s all around the world, are IBCLC’S now as a result of her education program.
We here in Australia are so proud and pleased for this very richly deserved award for Denise and along with our own personal congratulations to her, I would like to know that this news has spread internationally.
Janette Brooke
We all over the love are proud of our Denise. One of the nicest people in our profession, offering her students top quality and up to date information. She has helped and educated people all over the world and we are grateful for her hard work.
Hi Amber,
I’m Laura, IBCLC from Spain.
I can tell you how our day by day is in Spain: here, IBCLC is not known :-((.
So we spend a lot of time explaining it both to mothers and practicioners. It’s hard, and some times discouraging. But we know that we can help a lot of women with our jobs.
So we go on.
Saludos!
Laura, I’d love to hear more about the work you are doing. Could you send me an email to ambermccann@gmail.com and we can discuss how to turn it into a blog post!
Hi Amber & Laura,
Laura, I am so sorry to hear of your situation in Spain and it must be discouraging for you. Keep on doing what you are doing though.
I am not exactly sure how a blog post works or how effective it would be in helping spread the word in Spain. That is, the importance of the IBCLC credentials and the work they are then responsible for in supporting Breastfeeding women, their babies & families. Also, how a blog would be likely to encourage prospective candidates to study and sit the exam to become IBCLC’S. Laura, if you have any suggestions that you think ILCA can help your situation, please post it hear and/or, contact ILCA directly.