As I have mentioned previously, in my practice as a private LC, I see and hear from many mothers who have received poor and incorrect advice on breastfeeding. It sometimes feels overwhelming :(. It has been difficult to know just how to do something about it that would make a difference. We have a mailing list of about 300 OB's and peds and decided that we need to let them know what's what with this profession. IBLCE has sent us their brochures about who they are and what they do. These brochures also explain about what is a IBCLC. We have made a draft of a letter, that is being sent to IBLCE for their approval. When we receive their approval, we will send out the letter and the brochure to our mailing list. I'd like to share the draft of the letter with all of you: Dear Dr. The term "breast is best" is axiomatic to the finest nutrition available to an infant. The problem is how to encourage and support breastfeeding mothers. Over the years there has developed the profession of lactation consultant. Although relatively new, this group of professionals has been instrumental in fostering breastfeeding. In California as in many states lactation consultants are not required to be licensed. Therefore anyone, with or without education and/or experience may hold them selves out to be a professional. In answer to this and to the problem of standardizing education and experience the International Board of Lactation Examiners (IBLCE) was formed to formally set standards and examine individuals in the area of lactation consulting. This organization issues to those meeting its requirement the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). This designation is your assurance that the lactation consultant that you might refer to is properly trained and continues to keep up by continuing education. I have enclosed for your review a publication issued by the IBCLE describing themselves, their aims and standards. You are invited to contact them or me personally with any questions regarding the IBCLC designation. Please be sure that you refer to an IBCLC designated consutant. Yours truly, Yaffa Stark, MA, IBCLC \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ Yaffa Stark, MA, IBCLC Los Angeles, Calif., USA "We must identify and reduce barriers which keep women from beginning or continuing to breastfeed their infants." C. Everett Koop, M.D., ScD. Former Surgeon General ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////