ABOUT NZLCA
Most NZLCA members are qualified Lactation Consultants who have passed a fully accredited examination set by the International Board of Lactation Consultants Examiners (IBLCE). The title ‘International Board Certified Lactation Consultant’ (IBCLC) can only be used by persons who are IBCLC Certified and provided that they submit to periodic re-certification procedures mandated by IBLCE.
Other NZLCA Members include: health professionals with an interest in lactation, health professional students, aspiring IBCLCs and retired IBCLCs.
Opportunities for education provided by NZLCA for members and interested health professionals include workshops, and conferences which cover many aspects of lactation, often provided by international presenters. These enable the Lactation Consultant to keep current with research and topical issues and help gain education points for re-certification.
Local groups meet informally to discuss relevant issues at intervals during the year.
AIMS & OBJECTIVES
The purpose for which the Association is established is to foster optimal maternal and child health by protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding and the use of human milk for infants, by:
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Providing mutual support and education for New Zealand Lactation Consultants;
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Providing a forum for discussion and regular communication between Lactation Consultants;
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Making representations to relevant authorities on issues of concern to Lactation Consultants and to serve as an Advisory Body for such authorities;
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Maintaining a Directory of Lactation Consultants who are Members and in private practice;
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Liaising with other organisations within New Zealand who have objectives similar to the Association;
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Promoting breastfeeding and breastmilk as the biological norm;
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Encouraging New Zealand-based research in the field of breastfeeding and human lactation;
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Supporting the WHO International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes and subsequent relevant World Health Assembly resolutions.
NEW ZEALAND BOARD MEMBERS
Cara Hafner
President
Julie Foley
Secretary
Janine Parsons
Treasurer
Kristina Maconaghie
Information and Communications
Shannon Smith
Membership
The role of the Board is to administer the national affairs and business of the association on behalf of the members. This is governed by the constitution of the association.
Cara Hafner
President
I am originally from Oregon, USA, and first came to Aotearoa New Zealand in 2009–2012, when I worked as a Lactation Consultant and BFHI Coordinator at Christchurch Women’s Hospital. I have a background in maternal–child nursing and have been an IBCLC since 2006. Over the years, I’ve worked in a variety of settings, including community services, outpatient clinics, and tertiary hospitals.
I returned to Aotearoa in 2020 and am currently the Baby Friendly Clinical Lead at the New Zealand Breastfeeding Alliance. As a board member for the past five years, I’ve really valued connecting with our members and supporting IBCLCs across New Zealand. Our board is always happy to hear from you—please feel free to reach out!
Julie Foley
Secretary
My breastfeeding journey, and interest in supporting families to meet their breastfeeding goals began when I had my first baby over 30 years ago when I attended my first La Leche League meeting. I became an LLL Leader in 1997 (recently retired), and an IBCLC in 2009. I currently work at Wairarapa Hospital as Lactation Consultant and BFHI coordinator. Prior to that I worked at Tui Ora in Taranaki as the Tiaki Ūkaipō Breastfeeding Coordinator to develop a programme in the community for both breastfeeding support, and health promotion in the areas of nutrition and physical activity. I was also the LLLNZ representative on the NZBA board from 2016 to 2021. I have also in the past been on the Board and the Chair of Pregnancy Help in Taranaki. Prior to having children (and for some time afterwards) I worked as a Nurse in the field of disability. I look forward to having more interactions with you all.
Janine Parsons
Treasurer
I am a Registered Nurse, and became an IBCLC in 2009 - where my passion to support mothers and their new-born’s in overcoming challenges with breastfeeding arose from working at Kaitaia Maternity, as a postnatal nurse. I reside with my 3 teenage sons near Whangarei, and work at Whangarei Hospital and our community clinics in Northland. I have been impressed by what NZLCA has done from IBCLC’s over the past years, especially with the conferences and ongoing education provision. Joining the board has been my way of giving back to this awesome association!
Kristina Maconaghie
Information and Communications
I’ve been an IBCLC since 2017. I live in Taupo and work for Lakes DHB as part of the Kia Wana Breastfeeding Service and am also Chair of the Research and Ethics Committee. Prior to having children, I was a lecturer in health care ethics and since then I have been active in my community supporting breastfeeding and early parenting - as a La Leche League Leader since 2007, and volunteering with Parents Centre and Playcentre. I joined the NZLCA Board hoping to help grow and strengthen our profession and work with others to reduce barriers to becoming an IBCLC in New Zealand.
Shannon Smith
Membership
I am a registered nurse and lactation consultant working for Whanau Awhina PlunketLine. I provide breastfeeding and lactation support to whanau across Aotearoa virtually using teams meetings. My nursing background is in maternal and child health and I qualified as a IBCLC in 2023. My passion for breastfeeding was sparked through my own breastfeeding journey when I saw a real need for skilled breastfeeding support. I trained with the Australian breastfeeding association as a breastfeeding counsellor where I provide volunteer mother to mother peer support. I am looking forward to serving on the NZLCA board and getting to know more of our wonderful NZLCA community.