‘Breastfeeding? Really? Seems such an odd and simple subject to establish a consultancy about, let alone build a career and carry such a strong passion for.
That’s the response I mostly get in my country Uganda (found in East Africa) when I introduce myself as a Breastfeeding and Lactation Consultant. When I introduce myself as an IBCLC, I am usually asked, ‘you’re a what?’
So this is our story. It’s an interesting one, I hope it answers your questions. Enjoy…’’
— Rebecca Ssuubi
◆ Uganda’s first IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant)
◆ Founder, Breastfeeding Uganda.
◆ Food Scientist & Food Technologist.
◆ Infant and Maternal Nutritionist.
Across the board, there is a wide knowledge and skill gap in the field of breastfeeding. Right from the mother who expects breastfeeding to be natural and a breeze, but finds herself struggling with insufficient breastmilk supply, sore, wounded or cracked nipples, intense pain during breastfeeding, and so many other unanticipated challenges, to the health worker that recommends formula to mothers at the slightest mention of breastfeeding challenges, to the workplace that forces breastfeeding mothers to pump from the toilet, to the family that undermines the new mother’s decision to breastfeed, to the health workers that would love to support the new mothers but lack the skill and basic breastfeeding education, to the policy makers that can make a very big difference in the lives of working breastfeeding mothers but cannot seem to access the professional assistance to do so.. we identified a wide knowledge, skill and advocacy gap in Uganda and Africa at large.
Scientific research from numerous sources over the generations has proved that breastmilk remains unrivalled in its position as the perfect food and source of nutrition for the human infant, with innumerable benefits to the baby, both in infancy and for the rest of their lives.
Breastfeeding offers numerous benefits to the mother, family, community, nation, and world at large.
Aggressive formula marketing that uses false scientific claims has successfully convinced many parents and health workers, that it is harmless and a proper replacement for breastmilk. Scientific studies continue to show the increased incidents of disease, crippled immune systems, and countless risks babies are at as a direct effect of formula feeding.
With breastfeeding rates declining, women, families, health facilities, health professionals, communities and policy makers in Uganda desperately needed expert lactation support and education. This is why Breastfeeding Uganda was born.
Breastfeeding Uganda is Uganda’s pioneer Breastfeeding and Human Lactation Consultancy established in 2021 with the aim of providing specialized expert lactation support and education to women, families, health facilities, health professionals, communities and policy makers.
Our Vision is to re-establish effective breastfeeding as a widespread dominant highly appreciated societal norm in Africa.
Our Mission is to be the leading provider of lactation services and set the standard for credible evidence based breastfeeding education and support in Africa.
Breastfeeding Uganda was founded by Uganda’s first IBCLC, Rebecca Ssuubi.
Who is an IBCLC?
An IBCLC in full is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. An IBCLC is a health care professional that specializes in the clinical management of breastfeeding.
The IBCLC credential is the highest in the field of breastfeeding and human lactation worldwide. IBCLCs are certified by the IBLCE (International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners) Inc. under the directive of the United States National Commission for Certifying Agencies and are recognized internationally.
As an IBCLC Rebecca is;
◆ An Advocate for breastfeeding.
◆ A Clinical expert in Breastfeeding Matters.
◆ A Collaborator (partnering with health workers in various fields to solve breastfeeding problems).
◆ An Educator (sharing current evidence based breastfeeding and lactation information).
◆ A Facilitator (helping mothers and families reach their breastfeeding goals).
◆ An Investigator.
◆ A Policy Consultant.
◆ A Professional in health care.
◆ A Promoter of all things breastfeeding.
Rebecca’s journey to becoming one of the most highly trained professionals in the field of breastfeeding started the day she encountered a severely malnourished baby of a teenage mother that had failed to breastfeed her baby, while training as a Clinical Nutritionist in Uganda's largest National Referral Hospital; Mulago National Referral Hospital.
Rebecca is a qualified Food Scientist and Food Technologist holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science and Technology from Makerere University. She is also a highly trained, registered and experienced Clinical Nutritionist specializing in infant and maternal nutrition.
As of 2025, Rebecca brings to the table 11 years of experience in the breastfeeding and human lactation field in Uganda, an immense passion to see women breastfeed successfully and countless testimonies from women that have benefitted from her expertise and Professional support as a Lactation Professional.
Breastfeeding Uganda, in trail-blazer fashion, introduced the popular Breastfeeding Masterclass in Uganda; a popular class that attracts pregnant women, parents hoping to have babies, breastfeeding parents and those simply interested in the topic of breastfeeding. The class is a fun and educative experience that equips attendees with the knowledge and skills they need to breastfeed more successfully.
Rebecca is active in the media space. She gives her voice to advocate for breastfeeding and proper infant nutrition.
Her expertise as a Food Scientist, Food Technologist and Clinical Nutritionist has greatly added to her service as an IBCLC.