I want to thank everyone who responded for their thoughtful replies to my
query regarding obtaining Internships.  You all gave me a lot to think
about.  While it did not help my situation any, I certainly don't feel so
alone as a number of you responded off list to me with the same problem.
(And I am trying to reply to each and everyone one of you who posted to me
privately!)  I will try to catch all the pertinent info in this one post.

<< One reason is that it takes more time to do a consult when you have an
intern. The intern should be willing to reimburse the mentor for this
extended time...>>

This was repeated numerous times by a number of you.  An interesting request
and that some of us will find very daunting. I am barely able to pay for my
tuition/student loans, let alone pay for the privilege to do an Internship.
I WOULD however be very happy to clean your office, do paperwork, do the
'grunt' work in order to shadow and learn alongside you.

<<Another reason is that some IBCLC's might not feel capable of teaching.
Many of us in private practice have unpredictable schedules, and business
definitely waxes and wanes.  It can make it hard to make sure one's intern
gets enough hours.>>

I completely understand this-no argument here.

<<Other IBCLC's have ethical standards for potential interns.  I personally
will not mentor anyone who is charging mothers for lactation consultations
who is not board certified.>>

As a student why would I be charging mothers?  I wouldn't want to infringe
upon the IBCLC designation either.  It MUST stand for the highest in ethics
and professionalism...and that is precisely why, as a student, I want to be
mentored by a IBCLC-to learn at the hands of a master!

<< The third concern is the level of qualifications of the intern.  I have
been approached by a couple of people that I would NEVER let near my clients
since their knowledge base is so weak.  They had no clue about current
research based information or our standards of care.  When I take on an
intern, I expect to teach them the hands on part of the business, not that
more effective emptying of the breasts increases milk supply.>>

Yes, of course and I would think that any IBCLC worth her salt would
interview said student before taking her on as a Intern.  The courses I am
taking through Union are all evidence based and up-to-the minute research.
However, it is book knowledge and I am desperate for the hands-on part.  I
need experience...more than what I can get even through my LLL work.  I need
to see and work with hospital-based LC's and see the
newborns/preemies/NICU's/tounge-tie etc.

I feel I have a better understanding of the reasons why LC's do not want nor
have the time to mentor students, but still feel it is a shame.  The
profession needs new (younger) blood, and those students deserve to be
taught correctly by the old guard.  How else are we to learn?  I hope not by
trial and error like was done in the past.  Hasn't the profession moved
beyond that model by now??

I will do this, I will keep plugging away at it, I will get those hours
someway, somehow because it is that important to me.  I am still young and
fresh and full of ideas, and because this is what I want in life.  To help
mothers and babies breastfeed successfully.  But finding a mentor sure would
make it easier!


Sweet Nursings,

Robyn Roche-Paull
LLLL & Union MCH:LC Student
************************************************************************

Mama to Morgan (8) Siobhan (5) and Tiernan (18 months)
Proud Military Wife to Stephen (10 years)
*************************************************************************
Breastfeeding: An American Family Value

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