What the IBCLC Actually Is and Why It Matters

In this episode, Christine Staricka IBCLC discusses the significance of IBCLC Day and the unique role of IBCLCs in supporting breastfeeding. She emphasizes the professional achievement represented by the IBCLC credential, the extensive training required, and the challenges faced in the lactation field, including the influence of commercialism and the emotional labor involved. Christine calls for systemic change and encourages IBCLCs to engage actively with the community to foster a supportive environment for breastfeeding families.

https://ibclcinca.substack.com/about - Join Evolve Lactation Pros

http://www.thefirst100hours.com - Book & Free Guide

Evolve Lactation Pros is building a space where practitioners can admit uncertainty, examine their assumptions, make mistakes, and grow - together.

You’re invited. You belong here.

What we build together is going to change the field.

What you will gain and how you will grow is going to change your practice and your career trajectory.

You are so welcome to join us at https://ibclcinca.substack.com/.

Follow, Rate, and Review the Evolve Lactation Podcast right here!

Thanks for listening and sharing!

You can get the book Evolving the Modern Breastfeeding Experience: Holistic Lactation Care in the First 100 Hours now at this link!

Kelly Durbin's book, Protecting Your Potential for Breastfeeding

In this conversation, Christine and Kelly Durbin discuss the multifaceted challenges and opportunities surrounding breastfeeding. They emphasize the importance of data in understanding breastfeeding trends, the need for improved education and community support, and the role of lactation consultants in protecting breastfeeding potential. They also address the decline of community support post-pandemic and the necessity of reframing breastfeeding education to better prepare parents. The conversation highlights the ethical considerations in lactation support and the importance of fostering a supportive environment for breastfeeding families.

Takeaways

Data is crucial for understanding breastfeeding trends.

States should collect breastfeeding data at local levels.

Community support for breastfeeding has declined post-pandemic.

Prenatal education on breastfeeding needs to be improved.

Lactation consultants play a vital role in supporting breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding education should be reframed to focus on real experiences.

Protecting breastfeeding potential is essential for mothers.

Conflicts of interest in lactation support must be addressed.

Community knowledge of breastfeeding is vital for success.

The breastfeeding culture in the U.S. needs significant upgrades.

Titles

Breastfeeding: Data, Support, and Education

Navigating the Challenges of Breastfeeding

sound bites

"The data is incredibly important."

"We need to strengthen our outcomes."

"This isn't a get rich field."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Breastfeeding Conversations

02:49 The Importance of Data in Breastfeeding

05:47 Challenges in Breastfeeding Support

08:29 The Need for Improved Education

11:31 Community Support and Its Decline

14:28 Reframing Breastfeeding Education

17:30 Protecting Breastfeeding Potential

19:55 The Role of Lactation Consultants

23:03 Navigating Conflicts of Interest

25:44 Future Directions in Breastfeeding Support

https://ibclcinca.substack.com/about - Join Evolve Lactation Pros

http://www.thefirst100hours.com - Book & Free Guide

Evolve Lactation Pros is building a space where practitioners can admit uncertainty, examine their assumptions, make mistakes, and grow - together.

You’re invited. You belong here.

What we build together is going to change the field.

What you will gain and how you will grow is going to change your practice and your career trajectory.

You are so welcome to join us at https://ibclcinca.substack.com/.

Follow, Rate, and Review the Evolve Lactation Podcast right here!

Thanks for listening and sharing!

You can get the book Evolving the Modern Breastfeeding Experience: Holistic Lactation Care in the First 100 Hours now at this link!

We have thoughts.

From the recent NYT opinion piece on marriage equality and formula feeding to the difference between an AI chatbot answer and lactation care from a qualified healthcare practitioner, we need to talk about what is going on in the infant feeding world.

Let’s get into it.

https://ibclcinca.substack.com/about - Join Evolve Lactation Pros

http://www.thefirst100hours.com - Book & Free Guide

Evolve Lactation Pros is building a space where practitioners can admit uncertainty, examine their assumptions, make mistakes, and grow - together.

You’re invited. You belong here.

What we build together is going to change the field.

What you will gain and how you will grow is going to change your practice and your career trajectory.

You are so welcome to join us at https://ibclcinca.substack.com/.

Follow, Rate, and Review the Evolve Lactation Podcast right here!

Thanks for listening and sharing!

You can get the book Evolving the Modern Breastfeeding Experience: Holistic Lactation Care in the First 100 Hours now at this link!