United Nations Organizations
The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, to defend their rights, and to help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence. UNICEF works with partners around the world to promote policies and expand access to services that protect all children.
The World Health Organization, WHO, actively promotes breastfeeding as the best source of nourishment for infants and young children and is working to increase the rate of exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months up to at least 50% by 2025.
Non-Governmental Organizations
The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, ABM, is an association of physicians that provides evidence-based solutions to the challenges facing breastfeeding across the globe. Since its founding in 1993, ABM has been building a global community of medical doctors with diverse backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and specialties. Through its worldwide membership, peer-reviewed journal, fellowship in breastfeeding medicine, annual international meeting, and partnership with other organizations, ABM has created a network of experts and advocates to drive medicine forward in this crucial area.
The Global Breastfeeding Collective, GBC, is a partnership of prominent international agencies calling on donors, policy makers and civil society to increase investments in breastfeeding worldwide.
The International Baby Food Action Network, IBFAN, consists of public interest groups working around the world to reduce infant and young child morbidity and mortality. IBFAN aims to improve the health and well-being of babies and young children, their mothers and their families through the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding and optimal infant feeding practices. IBFAN works for universal and full implementation of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and Resolutions.
The International Lactation Consultant Association®, ILCA, is the member association for International Board Certified Lactation Consultants®, IBCLC, and other healthcare professionals who care for breastfeeding families. ILCA membership is open to all who support and promote breastfeeding. Members may join at any time and do not need to be an IBCLC to be a member.
La Leche League International, LLLI, was formed in 1956, in Franklin Park, IL by a group of seven mothers who wanted to provide breastfeeding help and support to interested women. Their primary focus has remained on the personal one-to-one sharing of information and encouragement that provides a new parent with the confidence they need to breastfeed their baby.
The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action, WABA, is a global network of individuals and organizations dedicated to the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding.