Breastfeeding for HIV-Positive Mothers by Pamela Morrison, IBCLC

from The La Leche League International Journal, Breastfeeding Today, November 2014

Breastfeeding with HIV has always been a controversial issue and in the last decade there have been many changes to the recommendations worldwide. Initially, breastfeeding while the mother was HIV-positive was considered to be contraindicated. Yet, the impact of exclusive use of commercially manufactured infant milk, for babies of HIV-positive mothers, had severe consequences. Not only is commercially manufactured infant milk expensive and culturally less acceptable in many countries, it also requires safe preparation.  Infants who are fed commercially manufactured infant milk are at a higher risk of diarrhea, respiratory and ear-infections, as well as childhood obesity, diabetes, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and leukemia (Stube, 2009).

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Health e-Learning and Step2 reunited!!!

Denise and Steve Fisher, founders of Health e-Learning, GOLD Conferences, and Step2 Education are proud and excited to hand Step2 Education’s reigns over to Health-Care Education professionals Dr. Lenore Goldfarb, PhD, CCC, IBCLC and Carole Dobrich, RN, IBCLC.

“Since launching Health e-Learning in 2000, the GOLD Conferences in 2007, and (officially) Step2 Education in 2012, it has been our pleasure and privilege to serve the Lactation industry that we adore so very much. However, the time has come for us to pass the baton on and it is with great excitement that I'd like to tell you that Step2 Education will soon be in the very capable hands of our long-time friends and colleagues, Dr. Lenore Goldfarb and Carole Dobrich, of the International Institute of Human Lactation Inc.”, said Denise and Steve in their parting statement.

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Congratulations to all the NEW and recertified IBCLCs!

Firstly, we would like to congratulate all those who have passed the IBLCE exam for the first time. Welcome to the best profession in the world! We would also like to thank and congratulate those who made the decision to recertify by either CERPs or by exam. Certifying and maintaining your IBCLC certification clearly indicates your ongoing commitment to supporting mothers and babies worldwide to breastfeed.

It seemed to be a longer than usual waiting period for the exam results this year and we are aware many of you were quite anxious during this time. Thank you to those students who contacted us to let us know your results.

For those who certified or recertified, now you can spread your wings a little wider as you make more and more sense of all the knowledge you have gathered. Be proud of your newly earned or retained title “International Board Certified Lactation Consultant” (IBCLC).

Interested in becoming an IBCLC? - Start planning for the 2015 IBLCE exam!

Are you passionate about providing high quality professional lactation-centered care to mothers and babies? Would you like to turn your passion into your profession? Become an IBCLC!

You still have time to gather your 90 hours of lactation-specific education before the March 2nd, 2015 exam application deadline.Our LEARRC approved BreastEd Series covers the IBLCE Blueprint areas of required knowledge and will give you 12 months access to all 10 courses. What a perfect way to combine learning, and time to apply learning to practice!

IBLCE has provided information about key dates for the 2015 exam so don’t miss out on the exam because you missed the dates. Keep watching the IBLCE website for any updates.