A couple of people have recently raised concerns about IBCLCs with poor practices. Since the primary purpose of the credential is to protect and serve the best interests of the public, if mothers and babies are not receiving an appropriate standard of care from an IBCLC, or if an IBCLC is behaving unethically, then there is a problem. ILCA publishes an excellent booklet "Standards of Practice for Lactation Consultants" which anyone working in this field (whether an IBCLC or not) should have and use as a resource. IBLCE publishes a "Code of Ethics for IBCLCs" which was printed in Dec 96 JHL and is also available in brochure format from IBLCE (no charge). Send requests, including your postal address to <[log in to unmask]> Extract from the Code of Ethics brochure: IBCLCs shall act in a manner that justifies public trust in their competence, enhances the reputation of the profession, and safeguards the interests of individual clients. To protect the credential and to assure responsible practice by its certificants, the IBLCE depends on IBCLCs, members of the coordinating and supervising health professions, employers, and the public to report incidents which may require action by the IBLCE Discipline Committee. Only signed, written complaints will be considered. Anonymous correspondence will be discarded. The IBLCE will become involved only in matters that can be factually determined, and will provide the accused party with every opportunity to respond in a professional and legally defensible manner. Complaints which appear to fit the scope of the Discipline Committee's responsibilities should be sent to: Chair of the Discipline Committee IBLCE PO Box 2348 Falls Church VA 22042-0348 USA Hope this is useful, Ros Escott IBCLC IBLCE Regional Administrator Australia