WALC

Our WALC Board has been struggling along with the rest of the world to put action to the long standing disparities faced by marginalized families. Words are not enough. Our hearts ache for those oppressed by racism. We are listening and will work to be more inclusive and help to remove barriers moving forward.

The Wisconsin Association of Lactation Consultants (WALC) has grants and scholarship money which are awarded each year. Although grant money has been available to all projects consistent with the purposes of WALC and scholarships have been given to individuals in need, it is not enough. The time has come for WALC to form a committee to address equity and equality among our membership and upcoming breastfeeding supporters. This committee will develop specific wording and commitments regarding funds we offer in grants and scholarships to ensure equitable access to help grow IBCLCs in our BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), specifically. These commitments will be made public.

The WALC Board commits to bringing BIPOC members onto our board. None of us can speak for everyone and we want to hear from those that have had their voices silenced. In seeking/inviting/welcoming members of these communities to our table, we strive to send a powerful message to our members. Their presence, and their leadership, will make WALC truly representative of our state.

We invite you to stand beside us in the discomfort that comes with these conversations. We can make a difference together.

Respectfully submitted by the WALC Board June 15, 2020.

Allison Laverty Montag BA, RLC, IBCLC
WALC President

Please feel free to contact me with questions, comments and to express interest in participating in the committee mentioned above. allisonlavmon at gmail.com

ILCA Statement in Support of Black Families in the United States
by Lactationmatters on 2 June 2020

George Floyd, an unarmed Black man, died face down and handcuffed, after being pinned down by a police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States.

Among his last words were a call to his mother.

As mothers, and as those that support mothers and breastfeeding and chestfeeding families, we at ILCA join in mourning his death and this tragic loss. And we join in raising our voices against the systems of oppression in the United States that led to the loss of his life and so many others.

Starting with pregnancy and birth care and continuing throughout the lifespan of Black Americans, systemic racism affects every aspect of life, from housing to health care to criminal justice to education to employment.

We believe that access to maternal and infant health care, including lactation care – and opportunities to enter the profession – are fundamental to a just start in life. As Michael Lu, physician and Associate Administrator of Maternal and Child Health at the United States Department of Health and Human Services, says: “We can’t all be created equal if we can’t get an equal start in life.”

ILCA stands in support of efforts to dismantle systems of oppression in the United States.

ILCA stands in support of Black mothers and birthing people in the United States and celebrates their deep and loving care for their families, despite inadequate systems of support.

ILCA stands in support of Black lactation consultants in the United States, and celebrates their tireless care for their communities, despite inadequate systems of support.

ILCA calls on our members and partners to join us in standing in support of our community, and to advocate now for the change needed to ensure a just start in life for Black families.

Join in support of Black families
Would you or your organization like to sign on in support of Black families in the US and this statement? Complete the form on the ILCA website here.

Due to these uncertain times, WALC has decided to extend the deadline for Grant Applications to September 7, 2020. We will still consider any applications submitted sooner for projects, studies and initiatives that can be implemented in the current climate.

We encourage you think outside the box. Our families need support and assistance and we need innovative ways to help them! As passionate breastfeeding professionals, we need to find creative ways to create connections and networks of support for families.

Thank you for all you do to support families and please be sure to make time to take care of yourself as well. This is a tough time for all of us. We are stronger together!

Hello everyone,

I know this won’t come as a surprise. We are officially canceling our education and meeting in Green Bay/Ashwaubenon on May 7th.  We will look into rescheduling later this year. Dr. Jasmine Zapata has wonderful information to share with us!

Thank you to everyone that continues to work during this time and thank you to all of you staying home. We are stronger together!

I encourage you to reach out to one another to support each other and share information, possibly do a warm hand off of families. I personally am concerned with the families that I am not hearing from. If we could all join together and help families access support and assistance I am interested in being involved.

Love you to you and wash your hands!

Allison

ILCA Statement on Breastfeeding and Lactation Support During the COVID-19 Pandemic

COVID-19 and Breastfeeding
MARCH 13, 2020

COVID-19 and Breastfeeding

Hello everyone!

The conference is just around the corner! Can’t wait to see you all and our fantastic speakers 🙂

If you will be in town on Wednesday evening, please consider joining us in the Ground Round from 7-8:15 for a chance to catch up and network!

Jenny DeDecker has agreed to host a wind down/bedtime yoga class from 8:30-9:15. Suggested donations of $5 are encouraged.

See you at the conference!

Allison

Our 2020 WALC Conference is completely booked on both days.  So sorry to all of those who missed registering in time.  Watch for our 2021 brochure and online information in late December.

Our 2020 WALC Conference is completely full on Thursday!  We have a few spots left on Friday.  To register for Friday Only, Register Online Here – Go to the Green Register tab and scroll down to the bottom options.