To advance the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) profession within Atlantic Canada through leadership, advocacy and professional development.
The health of families within Atlantic Canada will be transformed through breastfeeding, which is supported by skilled lactation care provided by IBCLCs.
• To promote breastfeeding as the normal method of infant feeding
• To increase awareness of the role of the IBCLC among health professionals and the general public
• To provide networking and education opportunities for ALCA members
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.
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.
ALCA continues to welcome new IBCLCs each year, remaining committed to clinical excellence, community connection, and advocacy for breastfeeding families across Atlantic Canada.