The Association of Lactation Consultants in Ireland (ALCI) was founded in 1990. The purpose of the Association is to promote the professional development, advancement and recognition of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) for the benefit of breastfeeding infants and children, mothers, families and the wider community.
The goals of the Association are to:
- provide education, communication, networking and support among International Board Certified Lactation Consultants and other health workers concerned with breastfeeding and human lactation.
- foster universal awareness of IBCLC as the necessary qualification for lactation consultants.
- act as the advisory authority on issues relating to breastfeeding and human lactation.
The Association of Lactation Consultants in Ireland is represented on the Irish National Committee for Breastfeeding and the Advisory Committee of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative in Ireland. ALCI is affiliated to the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA), the global association for health workers who specialise in breastfeeding. ILCA is a founding and participating member of the World Alliance for Breastfeeding (WABA), and has NGO status with WHO and United Nations organizations such as UNICEF. For information on ILCA, visit: www.ilca.org what