Evolution of Lactation Support

The development of lactation support began in the 1950s with the establishment of community groups, notably the La Leche League International, which provided education and peer-to-peer support for breastfeeding mothers. Over the decades, this organic growth led to the formation of multiple organizations aimed at helping women with breastfeeding challenges, eventually resulting in the establishment of formal certification standards by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners in the 1980s. Various certification paths emerged as the profession evolved, offering mothers access to trained lactation consultants. This historical context highlights the importance of community-driven efforts in promoting breastfeeding without initial government interventions.