The Lactation Network Takes Meaningful Step Forward in Advocacy for IBCLC Profession

The recently signed National Defense Authorization Act marks the first time in U.S. history that IBCLCs have been written into federal legislation

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Lactation Network (TLN), the largest national provider of insurance-covered lactation care delivered by International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), secured a bipartisan amendment to the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), signed last week by President Biden. Working closely with Representative Lisa McClain (R-MI) and Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Cory Booker (D-NJ), TLN crafted language that underscores the importance of lactation care expertise while providing funding for military spouses seeking their IBCLC certifications.

“We were thrilled to lock arms with Rep. McClain, Sen. Gillibrand, Sen. Booker, and so many others to enable military spouses to secure their IBCLC certifications,” said Sarah Kellogg Neff, CEO of TLN. “Our bipartisan, bicameral coalition knows the life-changing impact of expert lactation care—and we’re only just getting started.”

TLN’s contributions to the NDAA include a professional pathway and earning potential for military spouses through IBCLC careers that can be practiced anywhere: These partners often sacrifice their own jobs to support active-duty service members. Further, the bipartisan, bicameral coalition behind the NDAA amendments represents a vote of confidence in IBCLC expertise which will drive meaningful access to lactation care on military bases and beyond.

Especially, the NDAA creates communities in the face of transience. Military parents are often far from familial support during their breastfeeding journeys, and this amendment both acknowledges the role IBCLCs play in supporting families at vulnerable times and is an incredible toehold as TLN continues to advocate for fair reimbursements for the clinical care IBCLCs provide.

“In passing this bill, Congress and the president did more than fund the military; they funded military families and elevated the IBCLC profession,” added Kellogg Neff. “Military service runs deep in my family so this moment hits particularly close to home.”

About The Lactation Network

The Lactation Network (TLN) is a national provider of insurance-covered lactation care delivered by International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs). They provide lactation support, including breast pump products and lactation consultations to families in need of care. TLN is the largest network of IBCLCs in the United States, and helps them provide the gold-standard of lactation care. TLN is building inclusive, tech-forward healthcare systems designed to remove barriers to access, dismantle stigmas and support all parents so they and their families can thrive. For more information and to access resources, please visit lactationnetwork.com or follow along on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook.