International eNewsletter from the Board of Directors
Volume 1, Issue 1 - December 2011
In this issue you will learn about the advocacy initiatives of Elizabeth "Kaili" Stehel, Chair of the Board; a public health presentation by Aimee Eden, IBLCE Public Representative; and read about Angela Love-Zaranka, in the new feature, "Board Director Profile".
You will also find information useful to you as an IBCLC® such as a new press release now available for distribution regarding your (re)certification or timely news in the lactation arena on IBLCE's Facebook page and Twitter feed.
You will note that the IBLCE eNewsletter uses British English rather than American English. IBLCE is using the British form, as it is an international organisation and of those who speak English worldwide, most use the British, rather than the American form of English.
We hope you enjoy this new offering from IBLCE.
| In This Issue | IBCLC Press Release Available | Question & Survey of the Month |
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A new IBLCE press release
is available for new and recertifying IBCLCs to supply to their colleagues and local newspapers.
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Did you know that many
people confuse the terms "certification" and "certificate"?
Do you know the difference?
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IBLCE Grows Exponentially
Congratulations to all the newest IBCLCs!
IBLCE Chair Advocacy Initiatives
IBLCE Chair, Elizabeth "Kaili" Stehel, recently testified in support of breastfeeding at the Department of Health and Human Services' public comment session in Dallas on essential health benefits. Kaili's testimony emphasised the importance of breastfeeding from both a professional and personal perspective.
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Shauna Nafziger with baby Madison |
The head of lactation services at Parkland, a major Dallas hospital, who is also the regional representative for the U.S. Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) spoke at the event, as did a representative from the local WIC lactation care centre in Dallas. Between all the speakers' comments, many important points were addressed, including the evidence-based Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding.
Kaili acknowledged with gratitude the email the United States Lactation Consultant Association (USLCA) sent to the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Breastfeeding, which she received as a member of the list-serve. Kaili recently noted, "I believe it is only by working together that we will accomplish all that we dream of in regards to breastfeeding. Please keep forwarding these opportunities. We can make a difference."
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Chair Kaili Stehel presenting at the "Let's Move" webinar |
Kaili Stehel also recently gave a webinar on breastfeeding for the "Let's Move" anti-obesity campaign, a signature program of the Obama Administration. Designed for childcare workers, the webinar, held on December 16, was sponsored by the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies.
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IBLCE recently learned that Stephanie Chafee, the First Lady of Rhode Island, as well as Denise Laprade, IBCLC and Marsha Walker, IBCLC, worked to stop the practice of giving away "goody bags" containing formula. Kaili Stehel and Sara Blair Lake, IBLCE Executive Director, wrote to the First Lady of the state to commend them on this important step to encourage breastfeeding.
Read the online article
IBLCE Public Representative Presents at Annual American Public Health Meeting in Washington
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Aimee Eden, IBLCE Board Public Representative (right), presenting at the 2011 APHA conference. |
Based on qualitative interviews with 30 practicing IBCLCs who work in diverse contexts and come from a variety of backgrounds, Aimee discussed how IBCLCs perceive their role in breastfeeding support, and the challenges they face in the workplace. Aimee noted that IBCLCs find the work they do to be highly rewarding and necessary, given the lack of breastfeeding knowledge and expertise among other health professionals, but noted that there is still a long way to go in terms of recognition.
It is hoped that the findings from Aimee's research can inform initiatives to increase the number of IBCLCs to recommended levels.
Thanks to Aimee for promoting lactation consulting at this important public health conference.
Angela Love-Zaranka
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IBLCE Board Member Angela (center) visiting a Washington, D.C. monument with friends. |
The military hospital at which she practices has approximately 1,200 births a year and will soon be opening a Level II NICU in the new facility. Angela's hospital is working towards baby-friendly status through the new Baby-Friendly USA 4-D process.
Her professional interests include incorporating new technologies into her IBCLC practice and focusing on non-profit management. Angela is also an Associate editor for Clinical Lactation.
Angela has been married for over 25 years to her husband who works for the U.S. Department of State. They have four children: 25, 22, 19 and 14 years old. In her spare time, Angela enjoys cooking, board and video games, hiking and integrative medicine.
IBLCE Well-Represented at ICE Annual Conference
Topics of interest to IBLCE included "Customer Service for Each Generation," "Benchmarking Best Practices in Credentialing" and "Public Members: How They Add Value." The event provided a wealth of useful information that the IBLCE team plans to implement in the coming days.
The IBLCE certification program holds the prestigious National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) accreditation through the Institute for Credentialing Excellence. IBLCE has held this valued accreditation since 1988.
