The Spanish Association of IBCLCs (Asociación Española de Consultoras Certificadas en Lactancia Materna, AECCLM) is a young, non-profit professional organisation representing International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) in Spain. Our mission at AECCLM is to support and advocate for Spanish IBCLCs, to promote, support, and protect breastfeeding through excellence in lactation care.
AECCLM works to enhance the professional development of IBCLCs, encourage evidence-based practice, and ensures high standards of ethical and clinical practice. Our key functions include member support, promoting continuing education, and advocacy. We also campaign for the recognition of the IBCLC credential as the gold standard in the field of lactation in our country, in adherence to the International WHO Code and its subsequent resolutions, in accordance with our professional responsibilities.
In addition, we foster collaboration among professionals. We recently organised our first professional workshop with Jeanette Mesitte Frem, IBCLC, focusing on the latest evidence and materials in breast milk pumping, updated flange sizing guidance compared with traditional sizing and clinical practice. Following this great success, we will hold our second educational workshop in 2026, members and non-members will be welcome to join us.
We are happy to share our latest big achievement: becoming part of the advisory committee, together with other organisations and associations, of the National Strategic Plan for the reduction of childhood obesity (PENROI) in our country, which implements strategic policies. Spain has a plan to reduce childhood obesity by 25% over the next eight years. Breastfeeding in Spain has very high initiation rates, but exclusive breastfeeding declines to 47% by six months, falling short of World Health Organization targets. While most mothers in Spain initiate breastfeeding, rates drop significantly due to barriers like lack of support and returning to work after short maternity leaves. Obesity prevention and lactation are closely linked. Joining this committee is an important milestone for breastfeeding advocacy and may lead to IBCLC credential recognition in the near future.
We are aware our profession faces significant integration challenges. We are pleased to become part of the European Alliance, joining forces with the rest of the associations united by ELACTA.
Maria Romeu, IBCLC, AECCLM´s president