14/08/2024
Free CERP for NYLCA Members only! Register now! - https://mailchi.mp/nylca.org/nylca-roundtable-and-annual-meeting-120123
NYLCA-New York Lactation Consultant Association
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NYLCA is a professional association for IBCLCs in the New York Metro area. Please visit our website.
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The New York Lactation Consultant Association (NYLCA) is comprised of members who are International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) and other professionals and volunteers who work with breastfeeding/chestfeeding families. Some of our members serve as executive executive board members, coordinators of specific services, liaisons to other organizations, and chairs of special committees.
01/08/2024
🌍🤱 Happy World Breastfeeding Week! 🤱🌍
Breastfeeding is more than just nourishment—it’s a powerful act that nurtures the bond between mother and child, supports optimal health, and builds a foundation for lifelong wellness. As an IBCLCs,
we are proud to support and guide families on this incredible journey.
Let’s celebrate the importance of breastfeeding and advocate for the resources and support new families need. Together, we can ensure every parent feels empowered and every baby gets the best start in life.
31/07/2024
Please help us to congratulate Jennifer Leopold for member spotlight! Dear colleagues,
It is an honor and a privilege to be recognized by my esteemed NYLCA peers. My passion for supporting families on their lactation journies began as a La Leche League Leader in 2006. In 2011, I became an IBCLC. I have a BA, in Psychology, a Masters Social Work and I’m Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have a private practice (First Latch & Counseling, INC), I was Director of Lactation at the Brooklyn Birthing Center, and I have been a guest lecturer on lactation, attachment and development. My contribution to the latest edition of Supporting Sucking Skills (Watson Genna, 2023), “Counseling Parents with Feeding Difficulties,” Chapter 14, is a personal career milestone. I specialize in working with survivors of perinatal and childhood trauma. I am a proud mother to three boys, ages 21, 18, and 16.
Educating families on how breastfeeding/chestfeeding can be a conduit to bonding and forming secure attachments continues to excite me. Meeting families where they are and deeply listening to their stories and questions allows me to invest in their goals and needs. Supporting parents in developing confidence and self esteem is rewarding and my way of giving back for all that I had received during my early parenting.
Thanks Jennifer for all that you do, more information about Jennifer check out her page
03/07/2024
We at NYLCA are thrilled to congratulate Saarika on being awarded the Ethnicity and Diversity 2024 Scholarship for the IBLCE exam. Saarika, who is of South Asian/Indian descent, has shown exceptional dedication and passion in her journey to support families through lactation education.
Saarika shared her motivation for becoming an IBCLC:
“I finally became a CLC in December of 2019 and it improved my confidence in supporting families prenatally. However, it still didn’t prepare me enough to support families postpartum. And when looking for IBCLCs available to them for referrals, I was not able to find any. I wanted to be able to answer all my families’ questions about breastfeeding 1 month to 2 years postpartum. Becoming an IBCLC means I have more understanding of the science of lactation and can help families understand it as well so that they can make choices that would best align with their feeding goals. I want to be able to especially assist families who do not have access to IBCLCs and bridge the gap for them.”
We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all others who applied. Our next scholarship opportunity will be in the Fall/24.
09/04/2024
Spring is here, and it’s time to open applications for the Equity and Diversity IBCLC Exam Fee Scholarship!
The New York Lactation Consultant Association Equity and Diversity Scholarship was created to reduce the barriers to accessing the field of lactation for BIPOC communities in New York. We recognize that there is a tremendous need to diversify the pool of individuals providing lactation care to reflect the community in which they serve.
It is with this aim that we cultivated the creation of this scholarship. We believe that everyone should have access to high quality and culturally responsive lactation care. We further believe that it is important to provide culturally responsive care to meet the diversity of needs that New York families require during their prenatal and postpartum infant feeding journeys.
This scholarship will provide a full scholarship to cover the cost of taking the initial IBCLC examination (no other costs will be covered).
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1eBGSXgBGsPWn-UNLbFu7DgZK0e8RNznTAqqnuMqQBII/viewform?edit_requested=true
23/03/2024
NYLCA is excited to host Nichelle Clark, IBCLC as she presents an in person workshop: Supporting Pumping Parents!
Date: Tuesday, May 14, 2024
Time: 10:00am - 3:00pm
Location: NYU Langone - 550 First Ave, NYC
Tickets:
- $85 Early Bird (members only through April 15)
- $100 NYLCA Members
- $125 Non-members
To purchase: bit.ly/NYLCAnclark
Pumping Mechanics: This presentation is designed to provide lactation experts with a detailed understanding of the mechanics of breast pumping. It aims to explore the physiological and technical aspects of milk expression through pumping, highlighting the interplay between human anatomy and pump technology. By delving into the principles underlying effective milk extraction, this session seeks to enhance the ability of lactation consultants to support and guide parents in their breast pumping journey, optimizing both comfort and efficiency.
I Go To Work: Supporting Working Parents with Milk Expression: The transition back to work can be a challenging time for breastfeeding parents. This presentation aims to equip lactation consultants with the tools and knowledge needed to effectively support working parents who are breast pumping. We will explore the unique challenges faced by this group, including navigating workplace accommodations, maintaining milk supply, and balancing work responsibilities with pumping needs. Practical strategies for creating a supportive pumping schedule, ensuring safe milk storage, and advocating for parental rights in the workplace will be discussed. Additionally, we will address the emotional aspects of pumping at work and the importance of providing ongoing support and resources. By understanding the needs of working pumping parents and offering tailored guidance, lactation consultants can play a crucial role in helping them continue their breastfeeding journey while meeting their professional goals.
About the presenter: Nichelle Clark is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), wife, and mom of two residing in Chesapeake, Virginia. She is the owner of a lactation private practice, SonShine & Rainbows Lactation, which was inspired by her son and honors her fertility journey with him. Born and raised in Upper Marlboro, MD, Nichelle joined the United States Navy in 2010 and served honorably for 7.5 years. When she’s not spending time with family, she admins multiple online support groups for People of Color, providing breastfeeding support and lactation education to her community. As prior exclusive pumping mom herself, Nichelle is a champion for breastfeeding parents to write their own rules and breastfeed their way.
**Application for Continuing Education Recognition Points (CERPS) has been submitted to the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners.
12/03/2024
Just 10 days until NYLCA hosts Janice A. Clarke, BS, CLC as she presents:
The Unique Challenges of Black Breastfeeding
*This presentation has been approved by IBLCE for 2 L-CERPS!*
Date: Friday, March 22, 2024
Time: 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Webinar & Q&A via Live Zoom (recording will be available for 30 days for those unable to attend in real time)
Tickets:
- $25 NYLCA Members
- $30 Non-members
To purchase: bit.ly/NYLCAclarke
Breastfeeding, though a normal biological act, can look significantly different depending on race.
In this presentation, Janice will discuss:
• Ways in which breastfeeding is unique to Black women and birthing people
• How breastfeeding myths are perpetuated in Black families and how these myths affect the breastfeeding relationship and milk production
• How to make breastfeeding support accessible to people of color
• How to make the lactation field an equitable one for BIPOC professionals
21/02/2024
NYLCA is excited to host Janice A. Clarke, BS, CLC as she presents:
The Unique Challenges of Black Breastfeeding
Date: Friday, March 22, 2024
Time: 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Webinar & Q&A via Live Zoom (recording will be available for 30 days for those unable to attend in real time)
Tickets:
- $20 Early Bird (members only through Feb 29)
- $25 NYLCA Members
- $30 Non-members
To purchase: bit.ly/NYLCAclarke
Breastfeeding, though a normal biological act, can look significantly different depending on race.
In this presentation, Janice will discuss:
- Ways in which breastfeeding is unique to Black women and birthing people
- How breastfeeding myths are perpetuated in Black families and how these myths affect the breastfeeding relationship and milk production
- How to make breastfeeding support accessible to people of color
- How to make the lactation field an equitable one for BIPOC professionals
21/12/2023
The The New York Times 'Inside the Booming Business of Cutting Babies' Tongues' was upsetting for us all as lactation professionals who work so hard to provide quality care to our families and patients.
We have sent this formal response to the editor. Thank you to everyone for your support in this matter.
10/11/2023
Meet Martha G. Marcellus our 2nd NYLCA Equity & Diversity Scholarship winner. The Future of Lactation looks beautiful doesn't it. Who will we award next? Applications are now open for the September 2024 exam. Visit www.nylca.org to apply. Deadline is April 1, 2024
08/11/2023
We are excited to announce the winner of the New York Lactation Consultant Association Equity and Diversity Scholarship for April 2024 exam to Martha G. Marcellus. We look forward to seeing her progress towards the IBCLC credential.
NYLCA Scholarship Committee
01/11/2023
Meet Juleen Johnson, MSN, RN, IBCLC
I am a Maternal-Child Health Registered Nurse (RN) and International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). My love for maternal-child health began 15 years ago when I took the strange leap and transferred from the Psychiatric Emergency Room to the Labor & Delivery Unit. I have fallen in love with new life, families, and how I can safely interject my expertise to better the world. I have worked as an L&D RN, Educator, Nurse Manager, and hospital lactation consultant.
Outside of work, I enjoy the time I spend working with community service and professional organizations. Some of my favorites include
working with my sorority’s (Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated) stork’s nest, and serving on national committees within AWHONN (the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses) and IBLCE (International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners).
I do all of this so that I can enjoy and make life a little better for my loved ones. I am a daughter, spouse, bonus parent, friend, reptile mom, moderately decent gardener, and very decent chef.
What excites you the most about the field of lactation?
As a child, I was always concerned about fairness. I would ensure all of my friends had a turn playing and everyone’s slice of cake was about the same size. As an adult, I realize it is not that simple because equal doesn’t always mean fair. The field of lactation excites me because I play an important role in promoting health equity. I can use my voice to advocate for equitable health policies, provide access to support, empower families, and change health outcomes.
26/10/2023
We are just 1 week away from the NYLCA Equity and Diversity Exam Scholarship deadline for the April 2024 test. Are you planning to take the exam for April 2024? We have a scholarship just for you.
The New York Lactation Consultant Association Equity and Diversity Scholarship was created to reduce the barriers to accessing the field of lactation for BIPOC providers in New York. We recognize that there is a tremendous need to diversify the pool of individuals providing lactation care to reflect the community in which they serve. It is with this aim that we cultivated the creation of this scholarship. This scholarship will provide a full scholarship to cover the cost of taking the initial IBCLC examination (no other costs will be covered).
Scholarship Eligibility
A member of a BIPOC community
A member of New York Lactation Consultant Association (NYLCA)
Eligible to sit for the IBLCE exam (completion of Health Sciences, a minimum of 95 hours lactation specific education, including 5 hours of communications skills, as well as relevant clinical experience and adherence to the Code of Professional Conduct for IBCLCs by attestation)
Confirmation from your mentor of your eligibility to sit for the IBCLC exam
Two letters of recommendation - 1 from your mentor and another recommendation from someone who is familiar with your work in the field of lactation.
A resident of New York
Application Selection
Applications will be reviewed by the selection committee. The selection committee will be made up of NYLCA members, including members of the board.
Application Deadline
Application deadline is Nov 1st 11:59 pm.
18/10/2023
A huge thank you to Bryna Hayden for leading a Reflexes, Movement, and Breast/Chestfeeding workshop for NYLCA today! So much great info and strategies to use when supporting families! Doula My Soul
01/10/2023
Meet Carrie Dean, IBCLC, LMT, CST
Carrie is an IBCLC Board Certified Lactation Consultant (2017), LMT Licensed Massage Therapist (2003), and CST Infant Trained Craniosacral Therapist (2021).
She is currently in private practice serving the families of Westchester County and lower Fairfield Connecticut. Carrie has teamed up with colleague, and fellow NYLCA member, Cathy Walker to open Gaea Breastfeeding Center in Stamford, CT. Along with seeing clients in the Stamford office, Carrie provides in-home visits as well.
After a thriving massage practice in NYC working with Chiropractors, PT’s Acupuncturists and the USTA women’s tennis pros, Carrie transitioned to lactation care in 2014. She had the privilege of studying with Julie Bouchet-Horowitz and Dr Christina Smilie. Her first year of practice was spent working as the in-house IBCLC for a large Pediatric practice in Norwalk, CT.
Carrie is the mom of 2 breastfed boys, but the challenges she faced with her first was, and continues to be, her inspiration for helping families today. Having PPA, PPD, DMER, and a son with a very anterior tongue tie (that everyone said “he’s fine!”) intensifies Carrie's mission. The mission is to provide families with education, resources, and perspective on not just feeding baby, but all that encompasses birthing and bringing a new baby home.
Carrie’s recent addition of Craniosacral Therapy has enabled her to help even more families. She works collaboratively with other IBCLC’s, Dentists, Neurosurgeons and, Chiropractors in helping babies function better when suffering from traumatic birth, TOTS, plagiocephaly, torticollis, and other difficulties.
What excites you the most about the field of lactation?
I am so excited to be in a field that is constantly growing and evolving, as we learn more and more about the intricacies of the breastfeeding relationship. (The constant evolving can be a bit stressful sometimes too.... Not gonna lie) I have great pleasure in bringing down the nervous system of the entire household through holding space, listening to the WHOLE story and educating them on their situation and choices.
It does take a village, and I am always honored to be a part of that village- however oftentimes families need help understanding they do need the village, and its OK to need the village. I am grateful for my colleagues and other professionals that I can refer to for optimal, comprehensive care.
29/09/2023
The rain has taken over New York but that did not stand in the way of our first NYLCA Equity and Diversity Scholarship recipient Ruth from sitting for the IBCLC exam today. We are on the search for our next scholarship recipient for the April 2024 exam. Apply as soon as possible at : https://linktr.ee/NYCLACTATION diversitymatters
20/09/2023
It is testing season in lactation land. Are you sitting for the September examination period? Are you scheduled for April 2024? We have a scholarship just for you.
The New York Lactation Consultant Association Equity and Diversity Scholarship was created to reduce the barriers to accessing the field of lactation for BIPOC communities in New York. We recognize that there is a tremendous need to diversify the pool of individuals providing lactation care to reflect the community in which they serve. It is with this aim that we cultivated the creation of this scholarship. This scholarship will provide a full scholarship to cover the cost of taking the initial IBCLC examination (no other costs will be covered).
Scholarship Eligibility
A member of a BIPOC community
A member of New York Lactation Consultant Association (NYLCA)
Eligible to sit for the IBLCE exam (completion of Health Sciences, a minimum of 95 hours lactation specific education, including 5 hours of communications skills, as well as relevant clinical experience and adherence to the Code of Professional Conduct for IBCLCs by attestation)
Confirmation from your mentor of your eligibility to sit for the IBCLC exam
Two letters of recommendation - 1 from your mentor and another recommendation from someone who is familiar with your work in the field of lactation.
A resident of New York
Application Selection
Applications will be reviewed by the selection committee. The selection committee will be made up of NYLCA members, including members of the board.
Application Deadline
Application deadline is Nov 1st 11:59 pm.
01/09/2023
Meet Tova Ovits, BA, IBCLC
Tova graduated from Pace University with a BA in English. While breastfeeding her youngest child, she read The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding and discovered how much she didn’t know while nursing her older kids. Tova has been dedicated to helping babies breastfeed ever since. She volunteered with an international breastfeeding peer support organization and became an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant to help even more families enjoy a healthy, happy beginning.
In 2019, Tova was elected to be an executive officer on the board of the International Lactation Consultant Association and is currently in her second term. She is also a member of USLCA and NYLCA.
Tova is fully vaccinated against covid-19 with all booster shots. She offers virtual lactation consultations and offers home visits in south Brooklyn, NY. She is excited to be moving to New Rochelle, NY and expanding her practice to include nearby areas in Westchester.
What excites you the most about the field of lactation?
I love learning how and why breastfeeding works (just check my continuing education folder!) and then sharing what I learn. I love seeing parents and babies relax and the milk and oxytocin flow after things make sense. We're building relationships, not just a milk supply, and I'm honored to be able to be a small part of that at the start.
06/08/2023
Happy World Breastfeeding Week! We hope that you have enjoyed the amazing events thus far. New York Lactation Consultant Association would also like you to enjoy the many benefits of a NYCLA membership. Membership is open to all lactation professionals and care team members. ​ ​ ​​
​ ​ ​
01/08/2023
Meet Cara Banks, IBCLC
I have been involved in lactation support in the Capital Region of New York since 2017. As an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), I would be glad to help you set and meet your breastfeeding/chestfeeding/human milk feeding goals. I am a member of the International Lactation Consultant Association , United States Lactation Consultant Association and the New York Lactation Consultant Association.
I got my Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 2004. After that, I went on to earn a Masters in Teaching from SUNY Cortland and taught high school math out West for 10 years.
After the birth of my first daughter in 2011, I became passionate about breastfeeding and its advocacy. I had no idea how hard and isolating it would be and desperately wanted help and advice. We moved back to the Capital Region and I found La Leche League! This community of supportive, non-judgmental nursing families inspired me and I became an accredited Leader in 2017. Since then, I’ve been fervently learning about breastfeeding and human lactation. I earned the title of IBCLC in December 2022.
I live in Averill Park, NY with my husband, two daughters, our Chesapeake Bay Retriever, two rescue cats, and a handful of chickens. I love gardening, cooking, cycling, running, pole vaulting, learning new things, and empowering families to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
What excites you the most about the field of lactation?
The science of lactation is super exciting and fascinating, but this isn't what draws me to the field. Supporting parents during one of their most vulnerable times is a unique privilege. Helping people to overcome the challenges that come with breast/chestfeeding, pumping, and weaning is incredibly rewarding, as I get to be a partner who walks alongside someone who exceeds their own expectations and perceived limitations. Witnessing parents going from being overwhelmed, frightened and confused by breastfeeding, to being confident, empowered and informed, is absolutely awesome!
01/07/2023
Meet Patricia A. Berg, IBCLC, CST-D
My path was the standard path at the beginning of board certification. I was involved with LLL both as a leader and also training leaders. I saw first hand both the lack of information and the mis- information that families were being given. Board Certification would allow me to advocate with medical professionals. I added CranioSacral Therapy, Lymphatic Drainage and Visceral Manipulation in order to have more tools in my tool box.
What excites you the most about the field of lactation?
Working with families at a pivotal time in their lives and helping them find their ways as parents. Providing research based resources so that they can make informed decisions.
16/06/2023
Happy Friday NYLCA members! We are extending the deadline of our membership survey to June 19th 11:59 pm . This is a great opportunity to help us improve and grow our organization with your input in mind. Here is the link to participate: https://forms.gle/ZJjZMysgYZqgo69TA If you have any challenges with the link or need assistance filling it out please email me at [email protected]
14/06/2023
Results are in!!!! CONGRATULATIONS to all new and recertifying lactation consultants. If you are in need of a community to support you as you grow in the lactation field join the New York Lactation Consultant Association (NYLCA) . Learn more about our organization at www.nylca.org we would be happy to have you as part of our team.
01/06/2023
Meet Paula Utilla
Paula Utilla possesses extensive experience providing both prenatal and postpartum lactation guidance in underserved communities.
While serving as LLL Leader as well as a WIC Peer Counselor, she simultaneously established the Brooklyn Birthing Center’s first prenatal lactation education program in 2008.
In 2010, Mrs. Utilla became an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (“IBCLC”) and founded The First Latch – a home lactation visiting practice.
Since April 2014, Mrs. Utilla has served as Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s first full-time IBCLC and played a critical role in the facility securing the prestigious “Baby Friendly” Hospital Initiative Accreditation in 2017. In this capacity, Mrs. Utilla educates nursing staff, residents and pediatricians regarding the importance of exclusive breastfeeding. Her efforts have resulted in dramatic gains in exclusivity rates at the facility.
With her passion to mitigate existing community health disparities based on race and ethnicity, Mrs. Utilla also oversees Jamaica Hospital’s Breastfeeding IBCLC Internship Program. This innovative free program focuses on providing minority candidates with clinical training in furtherance of sitting for their own IBCLC licensing exams. Heralded as the only hospital operating an IBCLC internship program of this nature in New York State.
Mrs. Utilla’s dedication to this unique project resulted in Jamaica Hospital receiving a Volunteer Excellence Award in 2019 from the American Hospital Association.
Mrs. Utilla is the proud recipient of numerous accolades in recognition of her strides in lactation education and advocacy including a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from the US Congress, a NYC Counsel Citation, a Commendation from Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, a Woman of Distinction Award as well the USLCA's 2022 Change Maker Award
What excites you the most about the field of lactation?
I think what excites me the most is when I assist a NICU mom with skin to skin or breastfeeding for the 1st time. The tears that comes down her face when she is reunited with her gift of new life just melts my heart.
26/05/2023
We are excited to announce the winner of the New York Lactation Consultant Association Equity and Diversity Scholarship to Ruth Guillaume. We look forward to seeing her progress towards the IBCLC credential.
NYLCA Scholarship Committee
10/05/2023
1 day left to apply for the first New York Lactation Consultant Association Equity and Diversity Scholarship. Individuals interested in applying must be a NYLCA member and identify as being apart of a BIPOC community. Memberships can be purchased at time of application. The application deadline is May 10th 11:59 pm.
01/05/2023
Meet Hadassah Mann
As a first-time mom, I didn’t know that breastfeeding could be such a struggle and may interfere with mother-baby bonding. I just wanted to cuddle up on the couch and nurse my baby!
After a few tough months and many suggestions, we finally settled into a comfortable breastfeeding routine.
A few children later, I realized that my amassed breastfeeding knowledge could be used to help other struggling moms. Following lactation training and certification, I opened Baby Bond Lactation.
I am committed to providing personalized breastfeeding assistance that empowers each mother to independently enjoy breastfeeding. I offer techniques that ensure comfort, stress-reduction, and confidence, while promoting healthy mother-baby bonding.
What excites you the most about the field of lactation?
I love having the opportunity to make things easier for mom! I aim to inspire and nurture new mothers with enjoyable and manageable breastfeeding techniques, so she can be comfortable and bond with her new baby.
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Thank you to everyone who attended our workshop on understanding the mechanics of breast/chestfeeding pumping! Your dedication to learning and exploring the physiological and technical aspects of milk expression truly made the session a success. By delving into the principles underlying effective milk extraction, we aim to enhance your ability to support and guide parents in their breast/chestfeeding or pumping journey. Your participation not only enriches your knowledge but also contributes to optimizing both comfort and efficiency for breast/chestfeeding families. Special thanks to @sonshineandrainbowslactation for presenting, we hope you enjoyed NYC too! #pumping # chestfeeding #ibclc #ibclctraining #nylca
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