What is a Lactation Consultant?
The International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) credential identifies a knowledgeable and experienced member of the maternal-child health team who has specialized skills in breastfeeding management and care. The IBLC certification program offers the only international certification in lactation consulting.
IBCLCs have passed a rigorous examination that demonstrates the ability to provide knowledgeable, comprehensive lactation and breastfeeding care. Attainment of the IBCLC credential signifies that the practitioner has demonstrated knowledge to:
With a focus on preventive health care, IBCLCs encourage self-care, empowering parents to make their own decisions. IBCLCs use a problem solving approach to provide evidence based information to pregnant and breastfeeding women and make appropriate referrals to other members of the health care team. IBCLCs must adhere to the Code of Professional Conduct for IBCLCs and practice within the Scope of Practice for IBCLCs and the Clinical Competencies for the Practice of IBCLCs. IBCLCs must renew their certification every five years, either through continuing education or by re-examination.
Who are our Lactation Consultants?
IBCLCs have passed a rigorous examination that demonstrates the ability to provide knowledgeable, comprehensive lactation and breastfeeding care. Attainment of the IBCLC credential signifies that the practitioner has demonstrated knowledge to:
- work together with mothers to prevent and solve breastfeeding problems
- collaborate with other members of the health care team to provide comprehensive care that protects, promotes and supports breastfeeding
- encourage a social environment that supports breastfeeding families
- educate families, health professionals and policy makers about the far-reaching and long-lasting value of breastfeeding as a global public health imperative.
With a focus on preventive health care, IBCLCs encourage self-care, empowering parents to make their own decisions. IBCLCs use a problem solving approach to provide evidence based information to pregnant and breastfeeding women and make appropriate referrals to other members of the health care team. IBCLCs must adhere to the Code of Professional Conduct for IBCLCs and practice within the Scope of Practice for IBCLCs and the Clinical Competencies for the Practice of IBCLCs. IBCLCs must renew their certification every five years, either through continuing education or by re-examination.
Who are our Lactation Consultants?
Melanie Ham
Melanie is originally from North Carolina, USA and has lived in China since 2003.
After her own breastfeeding challenges, she connected with La Leche League Shanghai where she has supported mothers in a volunteer capacity since 2005 through monthly meetings, phone and text support. In 2011, Melanie took the IBCLC exam to become a certified lactation consultant to expand services to offer professional home and hospital visits.
Melanie believes connection, empathy, non-judgmental breastfeeding and emotional support are key to positive outcomes. She respects that each family has its own unique breastfeeding goals, and believes individualized approaches are an important part of reaching those goals. She has a deep commitment to supporting families through all aspects of their journey with patience, kindness, respect, and experience. Melanie is the mother of two breastfed children.
After her own breastfeeding challenges, she connected with La Leche League Shanghai where she has supported mothers in a volunteer capacity since 2005 through monthly meetings, phone and text support. In 2011, Melanie took the IBCLC exam to become a certified lactation consultant to expand services to offer professional home and hospital visits.
Melanie believes connection, empathy, non-judgmental breastfeeding and emotional support are key to positive outcomes. She respects that each family has its own unique breastfeeding goals, and believes individualized approaches are an important part of reaching those goals. She has a deep commitment to supporting families through all aspects of their journey with patience, kindness, respect, and experience. Melanie is the mother of two breastfed children.
