Lactation Equity Action Seminar: Breaking Down Barriers to the IBCLC Profession

Removing barriers to the IBCLC profession is critical to the mission of International Lactation Consultant Association® (ILCA®): advancing the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) profession worldwide through leadership, advocacy, professional development, and research.

ILCA is an active participant in the Lactation Consultant Equity Initiative, and we are honored to provide the space and other support for this year’s event, to be held immediately before this year’s ILCA conference. (Please note that registration for the event is separate from conference registration. See the link below for event registration.)

Lactation Equity Action Seminar: Breaking Down Barriers to the IBCLC Profession

Tuesday, 21 July 2015 in Washington, DC, USA

A half day event designed to address the cultural and classist barriers to the IBCLC profession. This interactive seminar will be led by author and breastfeeding advocate Kathi Barber, BS, CLEC and Clifton Kenon Jr., DNP, RN, IBCLC. An application for CERPs has been submitted.

At the 2014 Lactation Summit, participants shared many barriers to the profession (Learn more here). There is still much listening to be done to fully identify the range of barriers that exist around the world. The Lactation Equity Action Seminar is an opportunity for participants to:

• Learn more about the cultural and classist barriers that contribute to the existence of inequities in the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant® (IBCLC®) profession.
• Identify and organize around strategies to expand opportunities for social groups disproportionately facing barriers to entry into the IBCLC profession.
• Enumerate action steps taken by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners® (IBLCE®), the International Lactation Consultant Association® (ILCA®), and the Lactation Education Accreditation and Approval Review Committee (LEAARC) in response to the Lactation Equity Summit of 2014.

Considering the discussion at last year’s Summit, the Lactation Consultant Equity Initiative recognizes that the barriers faced may vary significantly depending on geographic location, education level, gender identity/expression and socioeconomic status. Because we recognize that the fact that this seminar is being held in the United States in the English language is a barrier in itself, we are working to lessen this barrier in the future. Our speakers have a wealth of knowledge and experience; they have been asked to address issues facing lactation consultants globally in addition to those faced in the United States.

This event continues the exploration begun at the 2014 Lactation Summit. It is one of several opportunities to help broaden the discussion through various means to the widest possible audience, including those not present at the seminar. Since 2014, there have been significant changes made within our profession. You will hear about these changes and have the opportunity to make further recommendations. We look forward to collaborating with all of you in creating a truly equitable and global lactation profession.

Who: Anyone interested in addressing barriers to the IBCLC profession is invited to attend the seminar.

What: Lactation Equity Action Seminar

When: Tuesday, 21 July 2015

12:30-1:00p: Registration
1:00-1:15p: Welcome/Introduction of Keynote Speaker
1:15-2:15p: Keynote Presentation
2:15-2:30p: Progress Made Since 2014 Lactation Summit
2:30-2:45p: Break
2:45-4:15: Interactive Workshop
4:15-5:00: Closing Remarks

Where: Washington Marriott Wardman Park, 2660 Woodley Park Road NW, Washington, D.C., USA

How to register: The seminar is free of charge. Space is limited and preregistration is required. [Editors Note: Online registration is now closed. Onsite registration at the door will be available.]

This event is hosted by the Lactation Consultant Equity Initiative, with support and in-kind donations provided by IBCLCE, ILCA, LEAARC, and Health e-Learning. Learn more about the Lactation Equity Action Initiative here.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ON-LINE REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED. Onsite registration at the door is available.