Let’s Get Creative! ILCA’s 30th Anniversary Conference Theme Contest!

5953182596_be7bcfce5aILCA will host its 30th Anniversary Conference & Annual Meeting 22-25 July, 2015 in the United States’ national capital of Washington, DC. Planning is under way to celebrate this anniversary and we welcome member input on a theme for the big event. The Conference Program Committee must determine the theme by mid-April. We invite our members to submit theme suggestions! Consider these questions in creating your idea of a theme:

  • What theme would reflect our conference being held in the United States capital?
  • How has the profession evolved over 30 years?
  • What hot topics are IBCLCs dealing with the most that you think they could use more information on?
  • What education do you think will be most helpful to the mothers, babies and families you serve?

All ideas are welcome! We want to make the 2015 ILCA Conference the best it can be and we hope you will join us next year to celebrate this momentous occasion!

Submit your ideas for a 2015 conference theme for a chance to win a complimentary full conference registration! Submissions must be received by midnight, on 31 March. Each person who submits an idea will be entered into the drawing for a conference registration. Please leave your suggestions in the comments below.

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Photo credit: cc image via flickr user KP Tripathi.

73 Responses to Let’s Get Creative! ILCA’s 30th Anniversary Conference Theme Contest!

  1. Stephanie Cleary 11 March 2014 at 08:19 #

    How to run a business and taking insurance.
    What are the plans for IBCLC’s to be registered in a state.

  2. Jennifer Loxton 11 March 2014 at 08:53 #

    1.30 years of unity
    focus on how the lactation profession unites health professionals from all different disciplines and backgrounds.

    2. Moving with the times: 30 Years of Growth and Development
    The growth of the profession
    Growth and development of the infant.
    Research and the growth of evidenced based practice
    Harnessing IT and social media tools for education and therapeutic purposes

  3. Zulma O. Vargas V. 11 March 2014 at 09:26 #

    I have in my old car a sticker from the VA Breastfeeding Task Force, from many , many years ago and it says “Affordable Healthcare Begins with Breastfeeding” and I beleive that could be the theme since we are going to be in the capital of the USA.
    I hope I can get the prize, 🙂

  4. Anna Edgar 11 March 2014 at 09:39 #

    How about “Understanding Lactation: A national priority”?
    I thought that was better than my other idea, “Washington, please reimburse us”. 😉

  5. Cheryl Yazell 11 March 2014 at 10:49 #

    ILCA: Celebrating 30 years of Supporting those who bring mothers and babies together through breastfeeding!
    Cheryl Yazell RN IBCLC

  6. Shannon 11 March 2014 at 11:28 #

    Continuing the Exploration and Celebration of Breastfeeding 30 years and beyond.
    Placenta capsules are a hot topic in one of my circles

  7. Amanda, ILCA Senior Manger of Conferences 11 March 2014 at 11:56 #

    While we are in our national capital, which is exciting, keep in mind the international scope of ILCA and keep the comments coming!!

  8. Joan Levy 11 March 2014 at 13:08 #

    I would like to see Lactation Consultants as Breastfeeding Advocates expanded. We can be advocates for ourselves (related to skills acquisition as well as business acumen), for our peers (as clinical instructors, formal or informal mentors, etc.), for other professionals (who may need some education or assistance in assisting breastfeeding mothers), for mothers of all shapes, sizes and needs, for infants (who often cannot speak for themselves, for dads (often missed as an integral member of the breastfeeding team) and other support persons (including anyone seen as partner, supporter within the clients definition of her family), for continued research, etc.

  9. Melanie Thurber 11 March 2014 at 13:11 #

    NORMALIZING HUMAN MILK: PROTECTING THE CHILDS’ RIGHTS AND SUPPORTING ACCESS

  10. Joy Funston 11 March 2014 at 13:39 #

    We seem to be having an epidemic of babies challenged with tongue ties or lip ties or both – perhaps we could have a seminar, or a full day, on the IBCLC ‘s role / responsibilities in helping mom baby couples confronted with those difficult challenges. We could have a workshop on the best way to assess baby’s mouth for these abnormalities. We can talk about frenulectomies. We could talk about the providers that are able to do these revisions: dentists using lasers, primary care physicians who normally use scissors and ENT physicians who sometimes use cautery. We could discuss post frenulectomy care – stretching exercises so the revision doesn’t just reheal shut and oral stimulation to improve muscle tone. We could talk about the difficulties in Latch normally observed with those restrictions. We could address the breast-feeding issues like hyperactive letdown reflex, nipple trauma , abnormal patterns of weight gain and the risks of early weaning that are frequently associated with these malformations. We could talk about the lifelong sequela of not having those ties released, for example speech & orthodontia & G.I. issues. I really believe this is an urgent matter. And I know there’s at least a days worth of material we should cover on it. Thanks for considering this suggestion!

    • Heather Gale 25 March 2014 at 06:55 #

      Oh how true this is. We really need alot more help with this. Thanks for your post Joy.
      Heather Gale.

  11. Jenn 11 March 2014 at 13:44 #

    Breastfeeding as a Global Priority: Reflecting on the Past to Shape our Future

  12. Misti Ryan 11 March 2014 at 17:08 #

    IBCLCs: The World’s Original Affordable Healthcare Inititiative or IBCLCs: The worlds greatest affordable healthcare initiative since 1985

  13. Rebecca 11 March 2014 at 18:10 #

    We are just getting to the generation of women who are giving birth where an IBCLC might have helped their mothers when THEY were breastfed. We also need to put serious thought and effort into growing the next generation of IBCLCs. I am thinking something like: Growing the next generation: Supporting healthy babies, healthy families, and a healthy profession. Alternatively, something that focuses on the role the LC has in the healthcare team, and how we are hoping that role will continue to expand, particularly in the U.S. where reimbursement and licensure may finally be getting traction. How about United we stand: Offering breastfeeding support to all women as part of the healthcare team.

    • Debbie Albert, PhD, BSN, IBCLC 12 March 2014 at 01:25 #

      The Politics of Breastfeeding: Doing What it Takes to Promote and Advocate Breastfeeding Throughout the World!

  14. Margaret Fletcher 12 March 2014 at 03:32 #

    Leveling the playing field by raising the bar –

    Decreasing disparities in breastfeeding rates between ethnic groups.

    Instituting BFHI in US hospitals and around the world.

    Targeting and supporting minority groups to breastfeed.

    Lobbying government for change in support of breastfeeding.

    Increasing access to breastfeeding support for low socioeconomic groups, including tongue tie release and craniosacral therapy.

    Growing peer support programmes where needed most.

    Effective teaching tools for mothers with low educational achievement. Eg. Mamma Aroha cards.

  15. Bethany Heintz 12 March 2014 at 08:18 #

    “Holistic breast feeding healthcare!
    Filling the Gaps” in our BF support system to provide equal access across social stratospheres internationally.

    Working towards equal access to help all dyads reach professional, quality bfing help where they need it, when they need it (ideally before they need it), at the price they can afford.

    We’ve come so far from being considered a neighbour type of service who’s profession was far from professional but rather told their own stories of bfing experience to something much greater.
    Lactation consultants are now beginning to receive the respect their years of education and experience deserves in the world of medicine as a legitimate and highly needed specialized profession.
    It is still an uphill battle against stereotypes and misinformation in the eyes of the public and the medical world, but thanks to ILCA’s tireless efforts and those of the members, that view is beginning to change at a rapid pace!

    I think subjects to discuss at the conference will be around structure and function – looking at the new research surrounding birth practices and it’s effect on S&F, tongue ties – identification, effect, and treatment – and how to get this new info out to family care providers.
    Also, working towards complimentary services between pediatricians, family doctors, family NP, nurses and LC’s will go a long way to helping moms get the help they need when they need it.

    Helping educate family care providers in basic BFing will go a long way to helping them see the value of the LC as a specialist and have more comfort referring to them.

    Which brings us around to financial coverage – both of LC services which I believe is still mostly out of pocket payments internationally to treatment costs of minor procedures like a frenotomy – which OHIP is billed $15 for a doctor to do an in house revision with a blade or scissor, and a ped dentist rates are anywhere from $450-800+ in the US for laser revision!!
    Out of pocket plus travel expenses!?!
    Talk about a procedure that is not available on equal access!!

    We’ve done well, we have far to go. <3

  16. Andrea Allen, RN, BSN, IBCLC 12 March 2014 at 08:45 #

    ICLA: 30 Years of Health and Beauty!

    Since it is in the nations’ melting pot we can celebrate diversity! The multitude of roles that IBCLCs fill in the lives of others is SO vast! We are peers, mentors, educators, friends, family members and we ARE breastfeeding mothers! We can highlight the variety of our work environments from clinics, birthing centers, and doctors’ offices to hospitals or villages to large metropolitan areas. We can celebrate the diversity of the different families who we educate, inspire and care for whether they are nuclear, multigenerational, single-parent, gay/lesbian OR families who have endured loss who are willing to offer their milk to other families in need through milk banking!

    It can be a BIG Thank You to all the IBCLCs AND Breastfeeding Specialists as well as a celebration all the mothers who hold breastfeeding near and dear!

  17. gayle yerge-cole 12 March 2014 at 09:32 #

    Lactation Support: What babies want and Mothers need.
    I have been teaching Breastfeeding classes to new mothers for 30 years. In the beginning none of the mothers were breastfed by their mothers, they were all fed formula. Now I find that 90% of new mothers had some breast milk from their mothers but few were exclusively fed breastmilk. I hope to see the day when 90% of new mothers were exclusively breastfed by their mothers. That may be a time when LCs are not in high demand because most of these mothers will have support from their mothers or mothers-in law. Successful breastfeeding requires support from not only healthcare but also the family.

  18. Melanie Huffman 12 March 2014 at 10:06 #

    Healthy and smart ? Where do we start ? Breastfeeding !
    Breastmilk is best for babies.
    Melanie Huffman, RN, BSN, IBCLC

  19. Sara 12 March 2014 at 15:15 #

    How about:
    Breastfeeding: A Capitol Affair!
    We could discuss the impact of breastfeeding on healthcare and its savings/costs.

    • leachj 26 March 2014 at 12:12 #

      Sara, that is a cute idea. Jane Leach

  20. Helen Wagster 12 March 2014 at 15:31 #

    Breastfeeding: A Capital Approach to the Health and Wellness of a Nation.

  21. mgarciasalas 12 March 2014 at 17:27 #

    IBCLCs: 30 years of being the “capital” credential in breastfeeding.

  22. Terriann Shell 12 March 2014 at 18:09 #

    Leading the World in Professional Lactation Support

  23. Amber McCann, IBCLC 12 March 2014 at 21:35 #

    Would love to see a theme focused on how Ursuline Singleton described us at the 2012 Orlando Conference…Empowering Mothers and Saving Baby’s Lives. Strong focus on challenges unique to each part of the dyad and also the ways to bring them together.

  24. Meghan Garcia-Salas 12 March 2014 at 22:21 #

    IBCLCs- 30 years of being the ‘Capital’ credential in breastfeeding.

  25. Lou Lamb 13 March 2014 at 12:21 #

    ILCA: 30 Years of Communicating Global Breastfeeding Support, a Capitol View
    1. The key to any breastfeeding support/education is effective two-way communication.
    2. IBCLCs support breastfeeding by interacting with mothers, families, HCPs & community/gov’t organizations
    3. Strategies to use electronic media in lactation support.
    4. How to reach women & get “back to basics” in a world full of communication overload

  26. Sue Cox 14 March 2014 at 00:26 #

    Thirty Years of Lactation Consultancy: Looking Back to Move Forward Confidently

    • Sue Cox 17 March 2014 at 23:15 #

      “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” George Santayana (1863-1952

  27. Kelly 14 March 2014 at 06:49 #

    One Mother, One Message:United in Support of Breastfeeding Mothers Around the World

  28. Karen Foard 15 March 2014 at 17:04 #

    Feel free to edit putting it here– just thought I’d throw all my ideas out there for this theme!!
    ILCA’s 30th “Pearl and Diamond “ Anniversary
    Professional Pearls and Diamonds
    LC’s: Jewels for every Mother

    The traditional theme item for the 30th anniversary is the pearl; the modern is the diamond.

    We could play off of this with the ‘pearls of wisdom’ that the profession grew from kept, combined with the diamond sharp cutting edge of new research.
    *****
    We can backtrack the different anniversary themes in a looking back perspective; IBCLC’s could be recognized by their anniversary years with some sort of token recognition (on their nametag ribbons? Mints shaped like different of the items.?

    Raffle items (possibly donated) that different years of IBCLCs could bid on, could be a fund raiser (for example the first anniversary is paper and clock – people could bid on a stationery set and a clock- I bet we could get these things donated. (http://www.hallmark.com/anniversary/ideas/anniversary-gift-ideas/)

    If you pick my idea, I will help!!!! It is just the sort of thing that made our PAMILC conferences so successful a decade ago—the personal friendly touches that reached out to everyone at the conference.

    There are a lot of songs that mention pearls and diamonds—we could rewrite words to make the songs applicable with the pearl or diamond part still in- when people register they can sign up if they want to be a part of a song presentation that could start each plenary session. Actually here is one that I wonder if we could get Prince to help with http://www.poemhunter.com/song/diamonds-pearls/– rewriting the lyrics perhaps;
    or perhaps tweaking Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend Diamonds are Forever-Shirley Bassey
    Or songs by Neil Diamond (I am sure there are ones we could tweak)

    Let me know if you want more ideas!!! ~Karen Foard
    Karen@karenfoard.com or kfoardlc@comcast.net
    IBCLC since 1988 in Central PA

    • leachj 26 March 2014 at 12:14 #

      Karen, I also think this is a very cute theme.. Jane Leach

  29. Jill HIcks 16 March 2014 at 18:57 #

    ILCA and Breastfeeding:Life Sustaining for 30 years and beyond.

  30. Mary Wagner-Davis (@Mary_WD) 17 March 2014 at 00:49 #

    Medicine, Mechanics, and Maintenance–how they apply to breastfeeding

  31. skagitbfsupport 17 March 2014 at 18:27 #

    Just brainstorming at the keyboard…
    Innovation, Integration and Inspiration…the other “Is” in ILCA
    Passion into Action
    A celebration of excellence
    Power of the Past – A Force in the Future
    “Yes we can” – building on 30 years
    “You ain’t seen nothing yet”

  32. Yvonne LeFort 18 March 2014 at 23:37 #

    ILCA celebrating 50 years of our global family

  33. Moina Mitchell 19 March 2014 at 17:29 #

    – Thirty ”Thirsty” Years –
    Does our ”demand” for more knowledge = ”supply” of better care
    Showcasing the increasing trend of lactation research and the consequent development of client care

  34. Carole Dobrich 19 March 2014 at 18:51 #

    30 years: IBCLCs the Pearls of Lactation – Sharing our Professional Jewels.

  35. Courtney Wahowski, BSN, RN, IBCLC 21 March 2014 at 15:04 #

    Empowering women and building self confidence in practitioners and mothers through breastfeeding support and education.

  36. Judi Lauwers 24 March 2014 at 16:25 #

    I just read through all the suggestions and an idea came to mind — no, I’m not entering the drawing :-). Just wanted to add it to the discussion.
    Winds of Change: 30 years and moving forward

  37. Ilana Chertok 25 March 2014 at 01:21 #

    How about capitalizing on being in DC in an atmosphere of promoting positive health policy and practice:
    Celebrating 30 years of IBCLC: Policy, Practice, and Evidence-Based Care

    • Carol Arcuri, IBCLC, RLC 28 March 2014 at 04:48 #

      Breastfeeding-A Capital Idea!

  38. Heather Gale 25 March 2014 at 07:17 #

    ‘Breastfeeding, the global health priority’

    We know the health and wellbeing benefits to the Baby
    We know the health and wellbeing benefits to the Mother
    We know the health and wellbeing benefits to the Mother and the Baby together and the outworkings of that bond.
    Some one once said to me that he believed that supported Mothering has the potential to reduce crime around the world.
    This may seem like a quantum leap of concepts, but as I think about it….
    I believe him !

  39. Marilyn 25 March 2014 at 08:29 #

    Feeding the world’s youngest citizens: Breastfeeding in a global environment

    Themes: the vulnerability of the world youngest citizens; breastfeeding as a central issue for health care in a “globalized” world, social media, diversity, breastfeeding as the oldest “traditional” feeding of infants EVERYWHERE in the world, “think locally, act globally”

  40. Marilyn 25 March 2014 at 08:30 #

    Oh no!!!

    Last comment, meant to say “think globally, act locally”…..

  41. Deborah Moore 25 March 2014 at 08:34 #

    I nnovative
    L earned
    C reative
    A daptable – 2015 – Qualities to see us through the next 30 years

  42. Doula My Soul 25 March 2014 at 08:38 #

    “Shifting Sands: practicing with integrity in an ever changing climate “

  43. Deborah Moore 25 March 2014 at 08:53 #

    Innovative and creative methods to educate the Primary Health Care Community without ‘Chewing on their arms!’ Inflame the passion and the know how for them to embrace the benefits of breastfeeding by working in Partnership with the Parents.

  44. Judy Fayre 25 March 2014 at 09:47 #

    “Fashion” would be the theme I’d recommend. It could be displayed in a variety of ways such as: “breastfeeding has become fashionable” with a photo gallery of couplets enjoying their moments of breastfeeding, as well as “fashion”-clothing for the lactating woman, where clothing from historic data through modern day can show styles over the generations and throughout the world.

  45. Wendy Burpee 25 March 2014 at 16:46 #

    1. Nursing adopted babies
    2. nursing in emergencies
    3. Developing a message to national health departments on the need for inclusion of required BF knowledge in core curriculum for primary health care sector
    4. How to support oneself as a non-nurse IBCLC

  46. Laene Keith 25 March 2014 at 17:51 #

    Together Towards Tomorrow

  47. Linda Deys 26 March 2014 at 06:57 #

    “Breastfeeding: Putting it on the agenda” Countries all need BF to be on the agenda – in politics, in the workforce, in the health care system. Put it out there, put it on the table, make policies, accredit all facilities for BFHI, increase community awareness – we need to take a stand!

  48. leachj 26 March 2014 at 12:17 #

    Capitalize on 30 years: Policy & Research to Support, Promote and Protect Breastfeeding

  49. Larry Noble 26 March 2014 at 17:31 #

    How about:
    30 Years of Increasing Breastfeeding
    Looking Back, Moving Forward

  50. Sue Jameson 26 March 2014 at 18:02 #

    Think Global – Act Local – Supporting Breastfeeding worldwide

    • Deborah Moore 31 March 2014 at 02:48 #

      This sounds so appropriate, unless we get the local on board we cant influence the global

      • Deborah Moore 31 March 2014 at 03:04 #

        Breastfeeding in the Modern World requires the Government,the Community, the Individual and the Environment to be on the same page, are we?. can we do better collectively?

  51. Sandra Hess 27 March 2014 at 11:17 #

    “Back to Basics, Forward with Evidence”
    We are understanding more and more that the normal birth process and breastfeeding promotes the best outcomes for mothers, babies, families, and society. Focus on these basics in light of new evidence which supports the “original design”. Separate fact from tradition/fiction related to birth practices; look at current movements which challenge the current system — birth circles, community based classes vs. hospital classes, etc.; examine the status of breastfeeding support in the work place; look at formula company influences; delve into the politics of breastfeeding, etc. The spokes from the “Back to Basics, Forward with Evidence” can go in many directions.

  52. Sandra Hess 27 March 2014 at 11:19 #

    May I add something? Perhaps the theme could be “Back to Basics, Forward with Evidence: The Next 30 Years”

  53. Indira Lopez-Bassols 29 March 2014 at 12:59 #

    Supporting one BF dyad at a time: Capital!
    Making friends and building bridges with HCP that don’t recognise IBCLCs
    Cooperation with alternative therapies in a world geared towards evidence-based practice
    TT and colic what are the links?
    Laser therapy for TT what are the advantages/disadvantages?
    What can the capital learn from abroad?

  54. Alice Farrow 30 March 2014 at 08:19 #

    “Capitalising on 30 years of knowledge; extending support to underserved communities and lesser understood breastfeeding situations”

  55. Catherine Price 30 March 2014 at 12:42 #

    Back to Basics- maybe a basic training theme with sessions on how to deliver those basics mom’s need before delivery without overwhelming them. Also sessions on things that extend beyond the basics: tongue tie, going back to work/school, how to help mom’s deal with insurance for lactation services, ect.

    • Deborah Moore 31 March 2014 at 02:51 #

      Promoting breastfeeding education in schools, financially supporting the Mothers on discharge from hospital to access at least one home visit by a IBCLC

  56. Gihan fouad 30 March 2014 at 19:49 #

    Back to norms the theme can be two picture one for Isis breast feeding his son horis god in wall of templet in our country Egypt compared to celebrity like byouncie breast feeding her baby. Success stories in breastfeeding, mothers sessions, breast feeding in disasters, why some countries fall to scale up breast feeding,and how countries succeed in breast feeding indicators improvement can adopt and support countries with poor performance, how to deal with breastfeeding as process applied for quality improvement,

  57. Randa Taher Abdulfattah 31 March 2014 at 14:05 #

    The them
    Hands together to make it right for all mothers to breastfeed their babies.

  58. Virginia Tam 31 March 2014 at 16:06 #

    30 Years of Leadership in Lactation: Evolution, Revolution & Innovation

  59. Rosa 31 March 2014 at 17:55 #

    “Breast Feeding Infant sustainability for 30 Years”

    “Ensuring a Global Latch for 30 Years and Moving Forward”

  60. lactationmatters 31 March 2014 at 22:42 #

    Comments on this thread are now closed! Thank you all for your submissions and watch here for our drawing!

    • Roseline Hartmann-Rosario 31 March 2014 at 23:46 #

      Recognizingcongenital disorders and developmental milestones and how can influence or change the breastfeeding experience and and correct interventions after recognizing them.

    • Roseline Hartmann-Rosario 31 March 2014 at 23:47 #

      wasn’t it till midnight? I submitted at 11:46……

      • lactationmatters 1 April 2014 at 09:23 #

        Roseline, you are right! The comments were open until midnight, so yours is in the pool. Thanks for sharing. All future comments are now closed.

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