by Amy Spangler
August 10, 2010

In January 2010, the breastfeeding community lost a visionary—Mary Rose Tully. But like all remarkable woman, Mary Rose left an indelible mark, one that is reflected in the Mary Rose Tully Training Initiative—a joint effort of Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute and the University of North Carolina Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

A lifelong dream, Mary Rose was able to see the inaugural class complete the first of two academic semesters. Each of the six students went on to graduate in 2010 and recently sat for the certification exam. These students will join the ranks of IBCLCs, health professionals dedicated to providing breastfeeding families with competent and caring support.

Approved by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) as a certification pathway for candidates seeking to become International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), the Mary Rose Tully Training Initiative provides 300 clinical hours under the direct supervision of a re-certified International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and 150 hours of didactic education within a framework of clinical lactation services and public health practice.

If you are an aspiring IBCLC and would like more information on the Mary Rose Tully Training Initiative, contact Brook Colgan at brook@email.unc.edu.