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

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 SupportNicole shares how:Working in WIC and public health fueled her passion for feeding equityHer own experience with pregnancy loss shaped her sensitivity in client careA career pivot into lactation allowed her to bring trauma-informed, parent-led care to the forefrontShe began using social media to advocate for better ethics, clearer scope boundaries, and professional integrity in the lactation spaceThe Bobbie Controversy: Why This Isn’t Just About One Formula CompanyNicole explains:Why IBCLCs partnering with formula companies—like Bobby—sets a dangerous precedentHow these partnerships blur the lines of trust between families and professionalsWhy it’s not just about WHO Code violations, but also about influence, power, and profitThe harm caused when parent choices are manipulated by marketing dressed as supportEthics, Scope, and the Role of the IBCLCMargaret and Nicole discuss:What staying within scope really means—and why it protects both the provider and the clientWhy IBCLCs recommending, selling, or affiliating with commercial products raises red flagsHow the profession is at risk of losing credibility without clearer standards and boundariesWhy "soft violations" of the WHO Code are still violationsInfluencer Culture & the Marketing of MisinformationThey explore:How algorithm-driven platforms reward popularity over accuracyThe difference between sharing lived experience and monetizing professional influenceWhy working “with the formula company that respects breastfeeding” is still problematicHow profit-driven care de-centers the needs of familiesProtecting the Profession and Rebuilding TrustNicole offers insight on:How to uphold ethics in your practice—even when others don’tThe importance of community accountability and speaking upBuilding back professional trust through transparency and educationWhere IBCLCs go from here—and why we can’t afford to stay silentGuest 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#backoffbobbieResources 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 healthConnect with Margaret:📧 Email: [email protected]📸 Instagram: @margaretsalty📘 Facebook: Margaret Salty🎙 Hosted by: Margaret Salty🎧 Guest: Nicole...

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