FYI, for those of you who aren't ILCA members ... The International 
Lactation Consultant Association sent the following message to its members 
yesterday, and urges all breastfeeding advocates to find a way to become 
involved in helping families who have been touched by this disaster.

“We are all deeply moved by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and the 
unspeakable tragedies that unfolded in the aftermath of this horrific storm. 
  Many of us have felt helpless as we watched the images on television and 
heard the stories of suffering.  Yet it is apparent that there is much we 
all can do to help.

"We have been inspired by the outpouring of concern from members everywhere, 
and the many volunteers who are already actively working to help families 
begin to resume a sense of normalcy in their lives.  The ILCA Board of 
Directors has been hard at work identifying strategies to connect members 
with opportunities to make a difference, and is continuing to explore 
additional ways that ILCA can assist.

"This disaster has highlighted anew the importance of breastfeeding in 
emergency situations, and the role of International Board Certified 
Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) in promoting, protecting, and supporting 
breastfeeding.  Our work is only just beginning in the areas of need 
affected by Katrina, where breastfeeding rates are among the lowest in the 
country.

"Please visit the special new Katrina Disaster Response page on the ILCA 
website at www.ilca.org to learn more about the proactive measures ILCA has 
taken in response to this tragedy, to download documents you can share with 
healthcare providers, media, and emergency workers in your community, and a 
comprehensive list of many opportunities to become involved.”  [Signed by 
ILCA President Sue Cox]

This is Liz again.  I also encourage you to visit the Discussion Board at 
the ILCA website (which is open to everyone -- not just ILCA members) -- to 
read about some of the incredible work being done by, and for, our IBCLC 
colleagues in the hurricane and evacuation zones.

Liz Brooks, JD, IBCLC
Wyndmoor, PA, USA

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