Welcome to OWLA
History
Certification as a Certified International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) was established by exam in 1985. Soon after the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) was created as an organization for this emerging profession. The Oregon Washington Lactation Association was created in the mid 1990s as the local Portland metro/SW Washington lactation community desired a place for networking, support and education for this growing community of health care professionals.
What We Do
Oregon Washington Lactation Association (OWLA) is an organization that provides networking and educational opportunities for those who work with breast/chest feeding families. Our mission includes the support of those communities that may have limited or inadequate lactation care. We provide a twice yearly full scholarship for applicants that are planning to sit for the IBLCE certification exam.
Who We Are
Lactation consultants, doulas, childbirth educators, dietitians, La Leche League leaders, nurses, physicians, pediatric dentists, WIC staff, peer counselors, physical and occupational therapists, speech language pathologists (and students of all of these professions) and anyone else who is interested in supporting breast/chest feeding families.
Meetings
Meetings are held five times a year through a virtual (Zoom) platform on the first Monday during the months of October, December, February, April and June. We provide an opportunity to network with other professionals, as well as an educational component at each meeting. The meetings are free and open to all. Lactation CERPs are provided to current OWLA members. Our Board of Directors meet during the alternating months, to plan for the educational meetings and additional outreach opportunities.