CLC-VIC Link Groups were developed to fulfil the College aims of fostering lactation education for health professionals, and supporting and encouraging lactation consultants. They are one of the College’s most important functions. Based on local groups, the College of Lactation Consultants Victoria runs regular monthly discussion or ‘Link Group’, with open invitation to those in the community who work with breastfeeding mothers (including midwives, general practitioners, dietitians, maternal and child health nurses, nurses, ABA counsellors, and mothers) as well as College members. The groups provide an opportunity to learn how best to help mothers, and include topic discussions, case presentations and sharing of knowledge and experience. Participants are actively encouraged to participate, in an informal and supportive environment. Speakers are generally drawn from the local area. A major function of these groups is to foster a network of support and contacts.
At present, CLC-VIC’s Link Groups include the Eastern Link Group, Western Link Group, the Central Link Group, The Northcote Link Group, the Casey Link Group and the Kingston Link Group in metropolitan Melbourne. Country groups include the Gippsland Link Group at Traralgon, the Mildura Link Group and the Albury/Wodonga Link Group. Each Link Group is organised by a CLC-VIC member, who develops a local mailing list. A voluntary contribution of $2 for non-members is suggested each meeting, to help offset mailing costs. The College is able to offer Continuing Education Recognition Points (CERPs) to Lactation Consultants attending CLC-VIC Link Groups. IBCLCs need to accrue a minimum of 75 CERPs in order to recertify, five years after passing the IBLCE certification exam. Our members find attending CLC-VIC Link Groups a cost-free way of earning CERPs. Additionally, attendance at CLC-VIC Link Groups may be used toward earning the required educational points necessary to be eligible to sit the IBLCE examination.
For more information, email clc-viclinkgroups@lactation.org.au
Note: Click on the map markers to view Link Group times and phone numbers. Email a Link Group on the right side of this page.
View College of Lactation Consultants Victoria Regional Link Groups in a larger map
Speakers & Sessions
CLC-VIC Link Groups are proving very popular with health professionals and ABA counsellors due to the variety of topics discussed. Participants are actively encouraged to have their say, in an informal and supportive environment.
Speakers are usually drawn from the local area, for example:
- A local Maternal & Child Health Nurse speaking about problems associated with a community of multicultural origins
- Mothers with newborn infants attending as ‘demonstration models’ for attaching and positioning sessions
- ABA counsellors speaking on topics such as ‘The Language of Counselling’ and ‘The Role of ABA’
- General practitioners informing about the management of mastitis and nipple thrush
- A scientist presenting information on ‘The right milk for human babies; access for all babies’
Other topics include preparation for the IBCLCE examination, breastfeeding quizzes, and video presentations. For more information, email clc-viclinkgroups@lactation.org.au
Note: Click on the map markers to view Link Group times and phone numbers. Email a Link Group on the right side of this page.
View College of Lactation Consultants Victoria Metropolitan Link Groups in a larger map
