Working with Families of Different Cultures I Lessons Learned

Abstract

The Code of Professional Conduct for IBCLCs states that an IBCLC must "Provide care to meet clients’ individual needs that is culturally appropriate and informed by the best available evidence." IBCLCs must not only have knowledge that will help a mother breastfeed. They must also have the skill to help her to discern the best solution for her situation. The ability to communicate with clients does not necessarily mean learning "everything there is to know" about their culture. Rather, it means learning the basis for the mothers’ beliefs and actions.