After lurking and learning, I have finally worked up the courage to post for
the first time. My name is Marianne Madara, LLLL for over 7 years, Lactation
Instructor for WIC in Middlesex County NJ,  who just became IBCLC!!!  I feel
being a LLL Leader has been invaluable to my work as a breastfeeding advocate
and I've worked with many Leaders over the years who have taught me so much
about the right way to counsel and empower women who sincerely want to give
their babies the gift of breastfeeding. Working for WIC in Central NJ has had
its ups and downs.  I have a lot of empathy for the women I work with as I
was a WIC client myself in the not so distant past.( I am a poor woman's POOR
LC)   If it wasn't for a dear friend and colleague footing the bill for the
exam, I would have never been able to take the IBLCE.  I am also bilingual
(Spanish) and have a wonderful staff of peer counselors with whom I work as
well as a very supportive WIC staff here.

As I've been catching up on posts of late, I seem to recall someone working
for WIC out there who wanted to correspond with others who work for WIC, so
whoever that was if you can e-mail me privately I'd love to chat about common
concerns.  Working for WIC can have its highs and LOWS!!!

Sincerely,
Marianne T. Madara, BA, LLLL, IBCLC