Hello Susan,

I searched my heart long and hard before deciding to take the IBCLC test.   I 
am a Registered Nurse, worked with moms and babies plus nursing my 1st and 
2nd until age 3....Took a special NCC test privie to RN's in the supspecialty of 
breastfeeding.  It was a HARD test and the pass rate was 30%.  I studied 
hard and passed, reading all the books one needs for the IBCLC.   I talked to 
Nurse attnys and they all told me that Breastfeeding was indeed within my 
scope of practice as a RN.  Told me I did not need to become certified to 
have my own business as a Breastfeeding specialist..on and on.  But, I really 
wanted to "do the right thing".  Talked to many others who have been IBCLC 
and not.   RN's and non- RN's... Mind you I have been helping moms feed their 
babies since the days i was a L&D nurse 18 years ago.  Breastfeeding is not 
new to me.  However keeping current on the data is, learning reading going to 
seminars being involved with ILCA etc, has made me a better student.  This is 
a calling... not a job.  I'm sad to see  and hear so many disheartened people in 
the profession.  I work both in the hospital and private practice.  Have 
enjoyed my career and was very proud to recieve my IBCLC several years ago. 
Working in the hospital, depending on where you choose sometimes requires a 
RN get her IBCLC.  As the Gold STandard.  some require a BA degree and A 
IBCLC and do not require a RN degree.  So I wanted to cover my bases to to 
speak, and have credibility, where I felt I wasn't when I didn't have the IBCLC.

Thanks for letting me speak...

warmly,

robin

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