Jeanette Panchula wrote: >In re-certification, not only should we be looking at "did they take xx or YY course" but also - consider, besides "Ethics" and "Lactation" courses - that "counseling" courses be added...as this is as important a skill as assessing for a frenulum or correct latch. If we cannot communicate these findings in a gentle, responsive, appropriate way - our knowledge is useless.< Exactly! We need to both have the information AND be able to communicate it. I will go further than Jeanette, and say that a course on counseling skills should be included in the prerequisites for taking the BASIC IBLCE exam. I have just returned from a breastfeeding conference where a variety of topics were offered. The overwhelming response to the one I presented - yes, on counseling skills! - was that of being grateful for information that could be used immediately and consistently as a strategy to improve breastfeeding outcomes. In the past I have offered more advanced "Case Studies" types of presentations, and I was a little hesitant about doing one on *just* the basics. It was very surprising to hear that this was the first time most of the participants had ever taken anything similar. Norma Ritter, IBCLC, RLC Breastfeeding Matters in the Capital Region www.NormaRitter.com Join us on Facebook for the latest birthing and breastfeeding news and views: http://tinyurl.com/BMCRonFB *********************************************** Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html To reach list owners: [log in to unmask] Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask] COMMANDS: 1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail 2. To start it again: set lactnet mail 3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet 4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome