About the Atlantic Lactation Consultant Association (ALCA)

With great thanks to Nancy Harmon and Sue Arsenault, retired IBCLCs and ALCA members, who have contributed a summary of  ALCA's history for this section. 

 
The Atlantic Lactation Consultant Association (ALCA) was founded in 1993 by four pioneering IBCLCs committed to advancing breastfeeding support across Atlantic Canada:

• Anne Brooks – Riverview, NB

• Leanne Campbell – Kentville, NS

• Janke Jones – Kentville, NS

• Karen Pearce – Dartmouth, NS
  
  

Their first official meeting took place on October 23, 1993 in Truro, NS. What began as a small group soon grew into a thriving network of lactation professionals from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Prince Edward Island. 

By mid-1994, ALCA had welcomed 24 members.

Our Purpose:
To promote, protect, and support breastfeeding through peer education, advocacy, and professional collaboration.

Highlights of Our Growth:

• Biannual meetings (Moncton/Truro) offered peer support, CERPs, and ongoing education.
  
  

• Membership grew to 40+ IBCLCs, fostering regional networking and collaboration.
  
  

• Advocacy: Promoted the WHO Code, supported Baby-Friendly Initiatives (BFI), and engaged with national breastfeeding organizations.
  
  

• By-laws and governance developed in 2002–2003, alongside our first logo in 2003 (updated in 2013).
  
  

• Education & CERPs: From local meetings to national conferences, ALCA supported members in staying current and connected.
  
  

• Notable speakers have included Dr. Jack Newman, Nils Bergman, Penny Simkin, Nancy Mohrbacher, and more.
  
  

• Collaborations: Partnered with health authorities and community organizations to expand breastfeeding education throughout the region.
  
  

Then & Now

ALCA continues to welcome new IBCLCs each year, remaining committed to clinical excellence, community connection, and advocacy for breastfeeding families across Atlantic Canada.