IBCLC Ethics, Formula Partnerships & Protecting Our Scope with Nicole Longmire, IBCLC

Behind the Latch

In this episode of Behind the Latch, Margaret Salty interviews Nicole Longmire, IBCLC—an educator, lactation consultant, and vocal advocate for ethical, parent-centered lactation care. Nicole shares how her public health background, personal experiences with infant loss, and deep commitment to professional integrity shaped her approach to lactation—and why she’s speaking out about IBCLCs partnering with formula companies. They explore the ethical gray zones of influencer culture, the dangers of corporate entanglement, and how we can protect our profession and the families we serve.

Nicole’s Journey into Lactation Support

Nicole shares how:

• Working in WIC and public health fueled her passion for feeding equity
• Her own experience with pregnancy loss shaped her sensitivity in client care
• A career pivot into lactation allowed her to bring trauma-informed, parent-led care to the forefront
• She began using social media to advocate for better ethics, clearer scope boundaries, and professional integrity in the lactation space

The Bobbie Controversy: Why This Isn’t Just About One Formula Company

Nicole explains:

• Why IBCLCs partnering with formula companies—like Bobby—sets a dangerous precedent
• How these partnerships blur the lines of trust between families and professionals
• Why it’s not just about WHO Code violations, but also about influence, power, and profit
• The harm caused when parent choices are manipulated by marketing dressed as support

Ethics, Scope, and the Role of the IBCLC

Margaret and Nicole discuss:

• What staying within scope really means—and why it protects both the provider and the client
• Why IBCLCs recommending, selling, or affiliating with commercial products raises red flags
• How the profession is at risk of losing credibility without clearer standards and boundaries
• Why "soft violations" of the WHO Code are still violations

Influencer Culture & the Marketing of Misinformation

They explore:

• How algorithm-driven platforms reward popularity over accuracy
• The difference between sharing lived experience and monetizing professional influence
• Why working “with the formula company that respects breastfeeding” is still problematic
• How profit-driven care de-centers the needs of families

Protecting the Profession and Rebuilding Trust

Nicole offers insight on:

• How to uphold ethics in your practice—even when others don’t
• The importance of community accountability and speaking up
• Building back professional trust through transparency and education
• Where IBCLCs go from here—and why we can’t afford to stay silent

Guest Info:

Nicole Longmire, IBCLC is an educator, lactation consultant, and public health advocate specializing in ethical lactation care and trauma-informed support. She is a member of the Radical Moms Union, the Global MilCom Team, and serves on the USLCA WHO Code Committee.

📱 Instagram: @motheringismedicine @radical_moms_union

🌐 Learn more: www.mothernurtureconsulting.com

#backoffbobbie

Resources Mentioned:

📌 The WHO International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes

📌 USLCA WHO Code Committee

📌 Radical Moms Union & Global MilCom

📌 ABM Clinical Protocols

📌 Research on influencer culture in maternal health

Connect with Margaret:

📧 Email: [email protected]

📸 Instagram: @margaretsalty

📘 Facebook: Margaret Salty

🎙 Hosted by: Margaret Salty

🎧 Guest: Nicole Longmire, IBCLC

🎵 Music by: The Magnifiers, “My Time Traveling Machine”

#BehindTheLatch #IBCLC #LactationEthics #WHOCode #FormulaMarketing #BreastfeedingSupport #LactationScope #ParentCenteredCare #TraumaInformedLactation #InfantFeedingEthics

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