LCANZ - Lactation Consultants of Australia and New Zealand
Lactation Consultants of Australia and New Zealand (LCANZ) is a professional organisation established to promote, support, and protect the profession of lactation consulting. LCANZ has been working tirelessly since its inception in 1994 to ensure that lactation consultants in Australia and New Zealand are recognised and respected for their expertise in breastfeeding.
LCANZ is a non-profit organisation that represents the interests of lactation consultants and their clients. The organisation is made up of highly qualified and experienced lactation consultants who provide evidence-based information, education, and support to breastfeeding mothers and their families.
LCANZ Goals and Challenges
One of the main goals of LCANZ is to ensure that all breastfeeding mothers have access to quality lactation support. The organisation achieves this by providing education and training to its members, advocating for breastfeeding-friendly policies and practices in healthcare settings, and collaborating with other organisations that support breastfeeding.
LCANZ provides a range of professional development opportunities for its members, including conferences, workshops, and webinars. These events provide lactation consultants with the latest information and research on breastfeeding, as well as opportunities to network and share knowledge and experiences with their colleagues.
LCANZ also provides a comprehensive accreditation process for lactation consultants. Accreditation ensures that lactation consultants meet the highest standards of professionalism and competence in providing breastfeeding support. It also gives mothers and healthcare providers confidence that they are working with a qualified and experienced lactation consultant.
In addition to providing education and support to its members, LCANZ also advocates for breastfeeding-friendly policies and practices in healthcare settings. The organisation works with hospitals and other healthcare providers to ensure that breastfeeding mothers are supported and encouraged to breastfeed their babies.
LCANZ also collaborates with other organisations that support breastfeeding, both nationally and internationally. The organization is a member of the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA), which is a global organisation that promotes the profession of lactation consulting and advocates for breastfeeding worldwide.
One of the key challenges that LCANZ faces is the lack of recognition of the lactation consultant profession. Many people are not aware of the specialised knowledge and skills that lactation consultants possess, or the important role they play in supporting breastfeeding mothers and their families.
To address this challenge, LCANZ is working to raise awareness of the profession and the benefits of breastfeeding. The organisation is also working to promote the accreditation of lactation consultants, which will help to ensure that mothers and healthcare providers have access to qualified and competent lactation support.
Conclusion
Lactation Consultants of Australia and New Zealand (LCANZ) is a professional organisation that plays a vital role in promoting and protecting the profession of lactation consulting. The organisation provides education and support to its members, advocates for breastfeeding-friendly policies and practices in healthcare settings, and collaborates with other organizations that support breastfeeding. By working together, LCANZ and its members are making a significant contribution to improving the health and well-being of mothers and their babies in Australia and New Zealand.
