Intro:
The USLCA is a non-profit organization in the U.S. which consists over 3700 active members, the majority of which are International Board Certified Lactation Consultants. Our members work in a variety of settings, including but not limited to, hospitals, physician offices, WIC programs, private practice and educational institutions.
We are so thrilled to be with you today and contribute to this discourse. Four of our organization’s stated purposes directly relate to issues before us today. Allow me to share those purposes with you:
- Foster awareness of breastfeeding and human milk feeding as important measure for health and disease prevention.
- Heighten recognition of the consequences of artificial feeding of infants and children.
- Cooperate with other organizations whose aims and objectives, in whole or in part, are similar to those of the Association.
- Advocate for USLCA members and advise relevant authorities on issues of concern to Association members.
Based on those purposes are recommendations are as follows:
- Promote breastfeeding as the optimal method of infant feeding through all available avenues
- Marketing of breast milk substitutes be discontinued in settings in which potentially expectation and expectant families are provided health care.
- A concerted effort be made to streamline and coordinate efforts by organizations interested in the promotion of breastfeeding.
- The role of the IBCLC in providing excellence in lactation care be recognized and made available to all mothers delivering in the U.S.
Click here to download and print out USLCA Talking Points.
