The IBLCE Board of Directors has completed the summary from the March 2010 Board meeting minutes. The Board meeting was held in Crystal City, Virginia, USA on Saturday, March 20, 2010. The Chair, Ellen McIntyre, IBCLC and Delegate from the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA), presided over the meeting.
Please visit our Resources page to view the PDF document.
The IBLCE Board of Directors has completed the summary from the September 2010 Board meeting minutes. The Board meeting was held in Palm Beach, Florida, USA on Saturday, September 25, 2010. The Chair, Ellen McIntyre, IBCLC and Delegate from the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA), presided over the meeting.
Please visit our Resources page to view the PDF document.
The Summary of the September 2010 Board of Directors meeting of the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) included the following statement: “The IBLCE is continuing the discussion of elements necessary to develop an Advanced Credential and a CBC credential.”
This statement has prompted questions about why IBLCE is still discussing elements necessary to develop a CBC (Community Breastfeeding Counselor) credential, especially in light of the fact that some IBCLCs worldwide have expressed opposition to the new credential.
The IBLCE Board considered a number of factors when deciding to continue to explore the development of a credential for community-based breastfeeding support counselors. Keeping in mind the mission of IBLCE to be the global authority that determines the competence of practitioners in lactation and breastfeeding care, IBLCE is committed to credentialing individuals who have passed a stringent, psychometrically sound examination.
Although IBLCE has suspended the exploration of the CBC credential in the U.S.A., there are countries where safe and competent health care by credentialed workers is not available. In some of these countries, there are established paraprofessional or community health workers and few or no International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs). IBLCE has an obligation to investigate options that have need, value and feasibility in these countries. Continuing exploration of the CBC credential is one way that IBLCE can reach for the vision of advancing “the health and well-being of mothers and children worldwide by improving the quality and increasing the number of practitioners of lactation and breastfeeding care.”
Even though these efforts may not lead to certification, continued exploration of the CBC credential can benefit existing paraprofessionals and health workers, as well as families. One outcome of continued exploration might be the identification of a need for developing standards for breastfeeding training programs or curricula. Developing such standards will require collaboration with sister organizations like the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) and the Accreditation and Approval Review Committee on Education in Human Lactation and Breastfeeding (AARC), as well as community mother support organizations like La Leche League International (LLLI) and the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA). Standards for training programs and curricula would improve the information and support available to mothers while also building an infrastructure to validate the need for IBCLCs in these countries.
Having recognized the need for competent, safe and credentialed lactation care in developing countries, IBLCE is the appropriate authority for exploring and developing standards for certification. Sister organizations are more appropriately positioned to develop education curricula and training programs. IBLCE welcomes support from IBCLCs for this continued exploration. Together, we can more effectively fulfill our goal of protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding worldwide as we continue to explore breastfeeding support possibilities within these individual countries with very individualized needs.
The IBLCE Board of Directors has completed the summary from the March 2011 Board meeting minutes. The Board meeting was held in Crystal City, Virginia, USA on Saturday, March 26, 2011. The Chair, Ellen McIntyre, IBCLC and Delegate from the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA), presided over the meeting.
Click here to view and download the summary. This summary as well as previous ones are available on our Resources page.
Contact for IBLCE: Sara Blair Lake
Tel: 703.560.7330
Email: sara@iblce.org
Contact for ILCA: Natalie Sroka
Tel: 919.459.6102
Email: natalie@ilca.org
Contact for AARC: Judith Lauwers
Tel: 919.459.6106
Email: info@aarclactation.org
Charting the future of the profession, three of the largest and most influential lactation groups in the world participated in a joint inaugural strategic planning meeting on March 22, 2011 in the Greater Washington, D.C. area. The participating groups included the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners, the International Lactation Consultant Association and the Accreditation and Approval Review Committee on Education in Human Lactation and Breastfeeding.
The full-day strategy session identified priorities for the advancement and strengthening of the lactation consultant profession. In anticipation of the meeting, over twenty-two thousand (22,000) International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) in eighty-one (81) countries received surveys soliciting their input on strategic issues facing the profession.
As a result of the meeting, the groups identified two key areas of focus: increasing awareness of the profession with the public, the health care system and governments; and standardizing and enhancing the education and training to become a lactation consultant. Another strategic goal is continued global leadership on a number of topics related to breastfeeding care.
The meeting with the three separate and distinct organizations involved with IBCLCs, included representatives from Europe, the Americas and the Asia Pacific region, reflecting the international nature of the organizations and the IBCLC credential. Countries represented included Australia, Austria, Canada, India, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States.
IBCLCs provide skilled lactation and breastfeeding care to mothers and children worldwide. Breastfeeding is a major public health preventative and access to care provided by IBCLCs is critical in increasing and maintaining breastfeeding rates.
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If you would like more information on this topic, or would like to interview representatives from the participating groups, please contact Sara Blair Lake at 703.560.7330 or sara@iblce.org, Natalie Sroka at 919.459.6102 or natalie@ilca.org, or Judith Lauwers at 919.459.6106 or info@aarclactation.org.
Pursuant to best practices, certification bodies periodically review and update key documents. The IBLCE Board of Directors recently reviewed and revised the IBLCE Bylaws.
The primary revisions involve a greater emphasis on leadership representation by the program’s diverse international stakeholders, updating to reflect best practices and streamlining the bylaws. The revised bylaws continue to emphasize the importance of majority Board representation of those having breastfeeding mother-to-mother support leadership experience.
Thank you to all who submitted comment on the recently revised IBLCE Bylaws. The comment period is now closed as of June 7, 2012. Please note that while some comments may be incorporated, providing commentary does not guarantee changes.
Thank you so much for your constructive feedback. It is greatly appreciated!
IBLCE Board of Directors
Thank you to all who applied for a volunteer position on the Board of Directors IBLCE® for a three-year term from September 2012-September 2015.
The application period is now closed as of July 12, 2012.
Applicants will be contacted in July to arrange for phone interviews that will take place during July or August. Board appointments will be determined at the September 2012 Board meeting.
All applicants must be willing to comply with the Conflict of Interest Policy and Disclosure Form which is available on our website www.iblce.org.
Applicants should also review and be willing to comply with the International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes (WHO Code).
eNewsletter Volume 1, Issue 3 - December 2012
| In This Issue | Survey | Connect with IBLCE in Social Media |
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Certification vs Certificate Programs Outreach to Global Stakeholders Important Information Regarding Requirements
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IBLCE has traditionally offered its examination the last week in July. For purposes of IBLCE long-range planning, which of the following months would also be attractive options to you?
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We are excited about our recent debut on LinkedIn!
IBLCE Video Available for Your Use! The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) created an outstanding video that is available for all who would like to know more about the IBLCE certifcation process or want to become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). This informative, engaging and professionally produced video is a wonderful vehicle for educating consumers, employers, insurers and others about the importance and value of the IBLCE.
Connect to us also with Facebook and Twitter
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Sidebar Information
IBLCE Announces New Key Governance Documents
New IBLCE Strategic Plan
Pursuant to best practices, nonprofit organisations periodically review, revise and update key governance documents. After extensive stakeholder input and feedback, systematic leadership thought and review, together with the guidance of a professional strategic planner, IBLCE® is pleased to announce its new strategic plan which will guide the work of the organisation moving forward.
The IBLCE leadership and senior staff team kicked off the strategic planning process by having a preliminary conversation regarding a number of important issues including: best practices in the strategic governance of nonprofit organisations; the future environment in which IBLCE will likely be operating; IBLCE purposes, beliefs and values; and ideas about the vision for the future as well as possible accompanying goals.
IBLCE then turned to its certificants to get their feedback on these key issues. In the survey disseminated to certificants earlier in 2012, IBLCE asked five key questions about the future environment for lactation consultants as well as “What one piece of advice would you give the IBLCE leadership as it plans for the Organisation’s future?” The response rate was robust and IBLCE thanks each of you who responded to the survey and provided meaningful input into this process. It truly played a key role in shaping the plan.
The IBLCE leadership carefully reviewed the feedback received and incorporated many of the key themes into the strategic plan. The IBLCE Strategic Plan consists of its Vision, Mission, Values, Beliefs, Goals and Main Objectives. The four Goals are the primary goals for the organisation over the next 3-5 years and the Main Objectives are the objectives pertaining to each goal on which the leadership elected to focus in the coming year.
IBLCE believes this fresh, focused Strategic Plan will guide the organisation to success in the coming years. The Board thanks you for your input and participation in this important process.
Access IBLCE's new Strategic Plan here.
Updated IBLCE Bylaws
The IBLCE Board also recently reviewed and updated its Bylaws. IBLCE last revised and updated its Bylaws in 2009. IBLCE commenced the process by reviewing nonprofit literature pertaining to bylaws and their revision. After preparing a draft document, IBLCE disseminated the draft to certificants via the last issue of this enewsletter. After careful review and incorporation of some of the feedback, IBLCE adopted new Bylaws.
The Bylaws continue to require that the majority of the Board be IBCLC certificants.
Access the updated IBLCE Bylaws here.
IBLCE continues to hear from a number of IBCLC certificants who are interested in the differences between certification and certificate programmes. As this seems to be a topic of great interest in the IBCLC community, IBLCE is continuing to spotlight various aspects of this intriguing issue as an ongoing feature in this eNewsletter.
As previously shared, the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE) is the leader in setting quality standards for credentialing organisations. ICE is the parent organisation for the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), the accreditation body which accredits quality programmes which meet a rigorous and objective set of standards. IBLCE holds this coveted accreditation from the NCCA.
According to the Institute for Credentialing Excellence:
“Defining feature of professional/personnel certification programs which
differentiate them from assessment-based certificate programs are the:
a) primary focus on assessment (as opposed to providing education/training);
b) independence of the assessment process from any education/training program or provider;
and
c) linkage of the assessment to predetermined standards of knowledge, skills, or competencies, rather than to the learning outcomes of a particular education/training program."
ICE 1100: 2010 (E)—Standard for Assessment-Based Certificate Programs, Institute for Credentialing Excellence, Washington, D.C., 2010, page 2 (emphases added).
A certificate program is different. The same Institute for Credentialing Excellence standard cited above notes that while the primary focus of a certification program is assessment of knowledge or skills held by an individual, the primary focus of a certificate programme is on providing education or training to an individual. Additionally, a professional certification programme is independent of a specific class, course or programmes and also independent of any provider of classes, course or programmes.
In part in response to the recent explosion of certificate programmes, which typically differ from certification programmes, the Institute for Credentialing Excellence recently decided to establish standards for certificate programmes in addition to those for certification programmes.
Standard 1100: 2010 (E), a document based upon consensus among leaders in the credentialing industry, sets objective standards for certificate programmes. This standard specifically states that among many other requirements that “a certificate provider shall not award an acronym or letter to certificate holders for use after their names upon completion of the certificate program.” ICE 110: 2010 (E)—Standard for Assessment-Based Certification Programs, Page 15, (emphases added). The standard further makes clear that the certificate provider shall provide a statement to certificate holders that certificate holders “shall not say that they are ‘Certified in. . .” and “shall not use acronyms or letters after their names to reference the certificate they hold” or make “claims or imply that the certificate is a professional certification.” ICE 110: 2010 (E)—Standard for Assessment-Based Certification Programs, Page 15, (emphases added). The standard does specify that a certificate holder may simply state that s/he holds a “Certificate in. . .” Page 15.
Thus, another key distinction between professional certifications and assessment-based certificates as defined by the Institute of Credentialing Excellence is the use of designations. Put simply, pursuant to this leading organisation, professional certification programmes may use designations and certificate programmes shall not.
IBLCE will continue to report on this issue of interest to the IBCLC community.
IBLCE, ILCA and LEAARC Reach Out to Stakeholders Around the Globe on the Importance of IBCLC Certification
The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners® (IBLCE), the International Lactation Consultants Association (ILCA) and the Lactation Education Accreditation and Approval Review Committee (LEAARC) recently reached out to close to 100 global stakeholders including professional associations, NGOs, advocacy groups, governmental organisations and regulatory bodies regarding the importance and value of the IBCLC certification.
The communication stressed that the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant is the expert in lactation and the IBCLC certification is the premier, internationally recognised measure of knowledge in lactation consulting. The letter also stressed that IBLCE, ILCA and LEAARC invited the recipient organisations to work to increase access to those who hold the IBCLC.
To access the letter click here.
IBLCE, ILCA and LEAARC are separate, distinct and autonomous organisations, each serving different purposes.
As readers of this eNewsletter know, IBLCE is the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners, responsible for development and administration of the IBCLC international certification programme.
ILCA is a professional association devoted to advocacy, professional development, leadership and research.
LEAARC's purpose is to recognise educational programs that meet certain standards and which prepares individuals to enter the lactation consultant profession.
Important Information Regarding IBLCE Eligibility Requirements
It has come to the attention of IBLCE that there are perhaps some common questions among IBLCE examination candidates regarding the IBLCE eligibility requirements, specifically pertaining to the health sciences (general) education requirements. Therefore, having received a number of questions on the same topics, IBLCE would like to provide clarification.
Continue Reading Here
Are You a New IBCLC? Congratulations on Your Achievement!
If you're a new IBCLC or you recertified in 2012, IBLCE makes available a press release you can disseminate to your local media about your accomplishment. You can obtain a personalised press release by contacting the Regional Office that serves your country of residence.
Asia Pacific and Africa Office - Serving the Asia Pacific and Africa Region
Europe Office - Serving Europe, the Middle East and North Africa
Americas Office - Serving North, Central & South America and Israel
The IBCLC Care Award is a special recognition given to hospital-based facilities. The Care Award has successfully influenced hospitals to become more breastfeeding friendly and applications for the award remain high. But breastfeeding initiatives do not stop outside hospitals. Many forms of breastfeeding support and consulting occur in community-based agencies. Therefore, IBLCE is proud to announce that the Care Award will now recognise community agencies that promote breastfeeding friendly environments as well.
Community-Based Agencies include:
For more information click here
CNN Segment on Skin-to-Skin Care Featuring IBCLC Paula Oliveira
This featured video by CNN highlights IBLCE Board of Directors member Paula Oliveira as she explores the importance of skin-to-skin care for newborns.
Oklahoma Hospitals "Ban The Bag" To Encourage Breastfeeding
Featuring IBCLC Becky Mannel
By Deanne Stein, News 9
The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is piloting a program called "Ban the Bag" in which 24 hospitals to date agreed to stop sending baby formula home with new mothers. "Oklahoma hospitals are working hard to encourage breastfeeding and provide quality care to breastfeeding families by joining the Ban the Bag project," said Becky Mannel, IBLCE's Board Chair and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. "Breastfeeding support is an important strategy toward improving the health of Oklahoma mothers and their children."
Read Article Here
Community Baby Café: A Great Benefit for Moms, Children and Families
The Dallas Community Baby Café provides advice to low income pregnant, breasfeeing and non-brestfeeding mothers whose young childen are at nutritional risk. International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Mary Jo Williams shares her stories about the difference lactation guidence can have on a mother and child. In a recent interview with IBLCE Mary Jo said she feels extremely gratified when she helps mothers overcome a hurdle in breastfeeding and the smiles from mothers is all the thank you she needs.
Read Article Here
As an ongoing feature, the IBLCE eNewsletter features an IBLCE Board member and includes information about the focus of the Board member's work on behalf of the IBLCE certificant community and the public.
Tomoko Seo, MD, IBCLC, FABM is a paediatrician with a focus on breastfeeding medicine in a maternity hospital and paediatric clinic in Nagoya, Japan. She became an IBCLC in 1999, and her first experience as a board member was with the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine in 2003.
Tomoko's first language is Japanese. Not only does she translate documents and books, she is an experienced author and guest speaker. As a board member with IBLCE Tomoko hopes she can expand-evidence based breastfeeding support beyond Japan so mothers and babies all over th world can enjoy breastfeeding.
Tomoko has three grown children and is an avid dog lover. Her first dog was a "nanny" for her children and lived to the ripe old age of 16. When she passed away Tomoko's husband quickly adopted a new puppy from a local animal shelter. He is now 2 years-old and the 'baby'' of the family.
IBLCE had a strong presence at the Association of Breastfeeding Medicine Regional Meeting held in May in Trieste, Italy. Attendees included IBLCE Board member Andreja Tekauc-Golob, MD, IBCLC, IBLCE European and Middle Eastern Regional Director Ilse Bichler, IBCLC, and 6 IBLCE country coordinators. The meeting included approximately 93 participants from 31 countries, the vast majority of whom were physicians and many of whom hold the IBCLC certification.
IBLCE exhibited at the Association for Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) Conference in June 2012 held at the National Harbor in Maryland, just outside of Washington, D.C., and which included 3,057 attendees.
IBLCE also exhibited at the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) Annual Conference and the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) conference in July 2012, both in Orlando, Florida. Below, IBLCE AMS representatives together with Brazil Country Coordinator Roberto Issler, MD, IBCLC at the 2012 ILCA Conference.
On behalf of IBLCE, Elizabeth "Kaili" Stehel, M.D., IBCLC, presented on the IBLCE Code of Professional Conduct at the ILCA Conference.
IBLCE had a presence at the New Zealand Midwives Conference and the Child & Family Health Conference in New South Wales, Australia, both held this summer.
IBLCE attended the International Congress of Midwives (ICM) for the Asia Pacific which was held in Hanoi. There were over 38 different countries represented at the conference, and in addition to midwives, attendees included physicians, educators, policy makers and administrators.
IBLCE exhibited at the National WIC Association 2012 Biennial Nutrition Education and Breastfeeding Conference held in September in Los Angeles, California. The conference is one of the most well-attended gatherings of breastfeeding professionals in the US, attracting more than 1,000 staff from federal, state and local agencies.
Asia Pacific & Africa Regional Director Karolyn Vaughan, RN, RM, IBCLC presented on the topic of recertificaton at the inaugural iLactation On-Line Conference held October-November 2012 and which included delegates from 36 countries.
IBLCE Executive Director Sara Blair Lake, J.D., CAE presented at the pre-conference session, "Building an International Certification Program" at the Annual Conference of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence, one of the leading credentialing events held worldwide, held in November in California. She also facilitated the Special Interest Group session on International Certification. Additionally, she presented on the topic, "Upgrading Your Code of Ethics/Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures: Practical and Legal Considerations."
Sara has also been selected for the International Section Council of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), one of the world's preeminent associations for association executives and which includes 21,000 members. Sara previously served as the Chair of ASAE's Certified Association Executive (CAE) Commission and on the Healthcare Committee.
Welcome New Board Members
Regina Roig-Romero, BS, IBCLC, RLC became an IBCLC in 1996 and is currenlty the Senior Lactation Consultant for the WIC breastfeeding program in Miami, Florida. Regina leads the efforts for breastfeeding advocay as a frequent speaker at various conferences and summits.
Jean Rankin, PhD, PG, CHSE, BSc (Hons), RM, RGN, RSCN joins IBLCE's Board of Directors from Scotland. She is a Senior Lecturer on maternal, child and family health at the University of the West of Scotland. Jean plays an active role in support and protection of breastfeeding through local and international initiatives.
Esmé Nel Hough, B. Com, IBCLC was an active La Leche League Leader in South Africa since 1986 and obtained her IBCLC certification in 2002. Esmé's passion for supporting breastfeeding mothers and babies grew out of her experience raising four children and working with patients in the medial practice she managed.
Fond Farewell
As IBLCE welcomes three wonderful new members to the Board of Directors we are also saying good-bye to several Board Members who served IBLCE with immense dedication and energy. IBLCE would like to thank the following outgoing Board of Directors for their tireless efforts:
Jeanne Mitchell, R.N., IBCLC
Marcia Lutostanski, R.N., IBCLC
Angela Love-Zaranka, IBCLC
Wendelmoet Mulder, R.N. IBCLC
Ellen McIntyre, PhD, IBCLC
Happy New Year to You!
-The Board & Staff of IBLCE
eNewsletter Volume 2, Issue 1 - April 2013
| In This Issue | Survey | Connect with IBLCE in Social Media |
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IBLCE Modernisation & Infrastructure Updates New Board Officers Call for Committee Members Certification vs. Certificate Programs IBCLC Care Award 2013 Post-Examination Survey Reminder IBLCE Outreach IBLCE on Social Media Board Director Profile
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Quiz of the Quarter What organisation provides scholarships to IBLCE exam candidates?
A. United Way
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We are excited about our recent debut on LinkedIn!
IBLCE Video Available for Your Use! The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) created an outstanding video that is available for all who would like to know more about the IBLCE certifcation process or want to become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). This informative, engaging and professionally produced video is a wonderful vehicle for educating consumers, employers, insurers and others about the importance and value of the IBLCE.
Connect to us also with Facebook and Twitter
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Sidebar Information
1. Update on 2013 Examination Applications: IBLCE is reviewing applications and will be contacting approved exam candidates with information on CBT sites in the near future.
2. Are you recertifying by CERPs this year? Recertification by CERPs application due 31 August
3. Survey results are in! Last eNewsletter's question was: IBLCE has traditionally offered its examination the last week in July. For purposes of long-range planning, which of the following months would also be attractive options to you? September was the preferred month, followed closely by April.
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IBLCE Modernisation & Infrastructure Updates
IBLCE® is working on a number of initiatives to provide enhanced, user-friendly services to its certificants.
IBLCE first offered computer-based testing (CBT) via a pilot in 2011. The pilot went well and accordingly IBLCE resolved to broaden the use of CBT and implement CBT in an incremental fashion. In 2012, IBLCE offered the certification examination via CBT to most candidates in the Americas Region and a small number of candidates in the Asia-Pacific Region. In 2013, the IBLCE examination will be offered via CBT in select locations around the globe! CBT often reduces travel time and is much more convenient! IBLCE will continue to expand the examination delivery by CBT in the future.
Working behind the scenes, IBLCE has commenced implementation of an online credentialing management system (CMS). This is a multi-phase initiative and IBLCE is initially using the system internally. Ultimately, the system will allow certificants to apply for the IBLCE certification examination online, submit recertification materials via the CMS and provide updates such as name and address. More information on the system will be available in coming months.
IBLCE is also excited to begin updating its website! This initiative, to be commenced in the near future, will focus on making the site more user-friendly, visually pleasing and streamlined. While it may not be possible to incorporate each and every idea, suggestions are welcome! Please submit to international@iblce.org
Stay tuned to IBLCE social media, the IBLCE website and future editions of this eNewsletter for more updates on these exciting initiatives! |
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IBLCE is pleased to announce the new officers for the organisation. The new IBLCE Chair is Rebecca "Becky" Mannel, BS, IBCLC. In addition to serving as IBLCE Board Chair, Mannel is Manager of the Lactation Center at Oklahoma University Medical Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA. She also holds the position of Clinical Instructor in both the Pediatric and OB/GYN Departments of the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Mannel's focus during her term as IBLCE Board Chair is enhanced communication with stakeholders, IBLCE infrastructure improvements and ongoing Board development.
Pursuant to the IBLCE Bylaws, the Chair-Elect rotates into the Chair position and the Chair rotates into the Immediate Past Chair position. After a successful one-year term, Elizabeth "Kaili" Stehel, M.D., IBCLC is now the Immediate Past Chair of the Board. During Stehel's tenure, IBLCE both updated its Bylaws and spearheaded the development of IBLCE's new strategic plan. Additionally, Stehel participated extensively in a number of outreach initiatives including presenting in a variety of venues and serving as an effective advocate for the IBCLC® certification.
Rachelle Lessen, M.S., R.D, IBCLC, recently stepped into the role of Chair-Elect for IBLCE. Lessen is a registered dietitian and holds a Masters of Science degree in Health Education. She is affiliated with the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Lessen will become Chair of the Board of IBLCE in September 2013.
Rounding out the IBLCE officers are Secretary Paula Oliveira, RN, BSN, IBCLC, currently the Nurse in Charge of Lactation at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts and Treasurer, Aimee Eden, Ph.D, profiled in this edition of News from the Board of Directors.
Each of the officers appreciates the opportunity to serve the organisation and the stakeholders of IBLCE! |
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Call for Committee Members on New IBLCE Committees
Item Writing Subcommittee
The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners is looking for a subject matter expert who has an interest and skill in item writing to join the recently established "Item Writing Subcommittee" to develop items for the IBLCE examination. Click here for more information regarding the committee. Interested? Please send your C.V. and a letter of interest to international@iblce.org
Research Committee
IBLCE has a new committee! We are looking for individuals to serve on the new Research Committee. Members of the Research Committee will work as a team on research-related projects, procedures, issues, and reviews. They will be involved with internal IBLCE initiated research as well as external research as needed. For more details, click here. If interested, please send your C.V. together with a letter of interest to international@iblce.org |
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Certification vs. Certificate Programmes: What's the Difference?
A typical, and great difference, between certification and certificate programmes is a practice analysis. What is a practice analysis? According to the Institute for Credentialing Excellence, a leader in setting quality standards for credentialing organisations, a practice analysis, alternatively referred to as a job analysis or role delineation study, put simply is: "a process by which to discover, understand the work that people in a profession, occupation, or role do. A job analysis identifies and describes in detail particular duties and requirements as well as the relative importance of these duties." Certification: The ICE Handbook, Institute for Credentialing Excellence, Washington, D.C., 2009, page 124. While a straightforward definition, the process associated with a practice analysis is typically multi-faceted and represents a tremendous initiative for any certification board. Required periodically for certification bodies, often done approximately every five to seven years, the process typically involves, among other elements, a diverse representation of stakeholders, a review of the existing practice analysis and relevant literature pertaining to professional practice, preparation and dissemination of a survey instrument and analysis of data received in response to the survey. See generally, The ICE Handbook, page 128. So, not only does a practice analysis describe the current state of practice in a profession or field, it also is also a certification requirement, serving as the foundation on which a certification programme rests. Conversely, the periodic intensive practice analysis is not a requirement for certificate programmes. Defining Features of Quality Certification and Assessment-Based Certificate Programs, Institute of Credentialing Excellence, Washington, D.C., 2010. This is a particularly timely issue as IBLCE is beginning the required periodic practice analysis. You will be hearing much more about the IBLCE practice analysis over the coming months.
IBLCE will continue to report on key differences between certification and certificate programmes in its quarterly eNewsletter. |
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IBCLC Care Award Continues to Grow! The highly successful IBCLCCare Award continues to expand and grow!
This joint initiative, between IBLCE and the International Lactation Consultants Association® (ILCA®), commenced in
Now during the third award period, 192 such facilities recently received this coveted award! IBLCE congratulates each of these facilities on its dedication to excellence in lactation care! Click here for a list of Care Award recipients. For more information about the IBCLC Care Award, visit the Care Award site.
Thanks to all who participated in the third annual hospital-based IBCLC Care Award! |
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Sitting for the IBLCE Examination in 2013?
Are you sitting for the IBLCE examination in July? If so, please recall that last year IBLCE transitioned from the use of critique sheets to a post-examination survey. The decision to discontinue use of critique sheets was made after careful thought and deliberation. Why the change?
As previously noted in this eNewsletter, critique sheets were of limited utility to IBLCE as the issues raised in the critique sheets were detected via the post-examination statistical review and, as IBLCE transitions to the administration of the examination at independent testing centres, it is logistically preferable that all receive an email post-examination survey. Given these realities, and the extraordinary use of resources required by translating each of the critique sheets, the IBLCE Board voted to discontinue the use of critique sheets, disseminate a post-examination survey and instead devote resources to the administration of the certification examination by computer-based testing (CBT) which is much more convenient for many candidates.
While this transition did represent a major change from historical IBLCE practices, the IBLCE Board felt it important to realign resources and modernise its infrastructure through use of CBT. So, please look for a post-examination survey within a few days following the 2013 examination administration. |
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IBLCE Chair Becky Mannel presented a webinar for the International Lactation Consultants Association in January on "Developing and Maintaining a Hospital Lactation Service." Ilse Bichler, IBCLC, Regional Director for IBLCE in Europe and the Middle East, participated in a breastfeeding conference of the Greek Society for Social Pediatrics and Health Promotion and the Department of Pediatrics and Committee of Breastfeeding of Xanthi General Hospital in late February in honor of Dr. Milena Ruzkova, the first IBCLC in Greece and IBLCE Country Coordinator for Greece and Cyprus from 1996 to 2008. Dr. Ruzkova passed away in early December. IBLCE extends its sincere condolences to Dr. Ruzokova's family and friends and is deeply appreciative of her contributions to IBLCE, the lactation profession and families in Greece and Cyprus.
The conference in her honor included 200 midwives, nurses, doctors and mother support group leaders from all over Greece. Dr. Anastasia Karathanasi, IBCLC, the current IBLCE Coordinator, gave a presentation on the IBLCE certification programme to conference attendees.
IBLCE Chair Becky Mannel presented at the Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs Annual Conference, "Advancing the Maternal & Child Health Vision"in February 2013 on Oklahoma's Breastfeeding Hotline, a 24/7 resource staffed by IBCLCs and funded by the Oklahoma State Health Department and on March 1, hosted a statewide Baby-Friendly Oklahoma summit at which 31 of the 58 Oklahoma hospitals participated.
IBLCE Chair-Elect Rachelle Lessen gave two presentations at the conference, "Staying Abreast: Supporting the Breastfeeding Dyad" held April 2nd at Abington Memorial Hospital in Pennsylvania. The conference included 150 attendees including nurses, IBCLCs, pediatricians and other healthcare professionals working with mothers and babies. The topics presented included, "Breastfeeding Support and Why the IBCLC is the Essential Credential" and "Normal Infant Feeding: Breastfeeding and Beyond."
The Institute for Credentialing Excellence selected IBLCE Executive Director Sara Blair Lake, J.D., CAE as Vice Chair of its Annual Conference for 2013. |
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Click here for an Executive Summary of the IBLCE |
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Connect with IBLCE on Social Media!
To get the latest on the IBLCE certification programme, IBCLCs and breastfeeding news, connect with IBLCE now!
If you haven't "friended", followed, or linked with IBLCE on social media, you aren't receiving the newest information as quickly as you could. IBLCE has ramped up its social media communications over the last year and a half! IBLCE now has over 4,500 friends on Facebook and with just over 200 tweets, has over 550 followers on Twitter! If you aren't one of the 70,000+ who have checked out the IBLCE Insights You Tube video, you haven't accessed a valuable educational and marketing tool available to you as an IBCLC!
IBLCE's newest foray into social media, LinkedIn, provides a professional platform for both professionals and organisations! Just search for the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners under "Companies."
However you like to receive the latest news, connect with IBLCE on social media now!
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IBLCE Board Director Profile
As an ongoing feature, the IBLCE eNewsletter features an IBLCE Board member and includes information about the focus of the Board member's work on behalf of the IBLCE certificant community and the public.
IBLCE Board Member Aimee Eden with children Louisa & Gus
Aimee Eden, PhD, MPH, serves as the IBLCE Public Member. When her first child was born in 2004, it was support from a private practice IBCLC that got her through a difficult case of thrush in the early weeks, and pumping issues later on when she returned to work. With her second child, it was the confidence gained with the keen eye of a hospital-based IBCLC that helped her exclusively breastfeed her son until seven months (and continue until he was three and a half). Her experience brings a well-rounded consumer perspective to the IBLCE Board.
Aimee also serves as IBLCE Treasurer and on a number of IBLCE committees, most notably as Chair of the recently established Research Committee.
In addition to being a busy volunteer and mother, Aimee is also an accomplished academic. She recently defended her doctoral dissertation in Applied Anthropology. Her dissertation research focused on IBCLCs. With colleagues at the University of South Florida, she has conducted other breastfeeding-related research with African-American WIC mothers and with college students. She is also interested in the role of IBCLCs in reducing breastfeeding disparities, which includes, among many other things, diversifying the IBCLC workforce.
In her free time, Aimee enjoys spending time with her family--husband Ryan Morris, and kids, 8-year old Louisa and 6-year old Gus. When she has the chance, she loves travelling to new places. |
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