Robyn -

You must be very frustrated with not being able to intern with an IBCLC.

Let me show you the other side of the coin (and, yes, I have worked with
interns.)

When a PPLC takes on an intern, they need work not only with the mom but
with the intern.  This means that if they usually take 2 hours between
consults, it is now 3 hours.  This cost must be borne by someone.  I have
had several women who wanted to intern that did not work out.  They expected
me to provide internship for little or no cost.  If you wish to intern, you
need to pay the time and experience of the IBCLC with whom you wish to
practice.  I have an hourly rate that I need to charge to keep on the power,
water and pay for the support staff.  When I loose 1/3 of my billable time,
I cannot stay in business without making that up somehow.

The second concern is that we worry about how complete we can make the
internship.  In my practice which is rather busy, I could not provide any
experience working with hospitals or physician offices.  This is important
information and experience to have but I cannot provide it.  However, I
could provide you with a very wide range of experiences working with babies
after the first 24 - 72h.  The job of a hospital-based LC is VERY different
from the job of a community based LC but before taking the boards you should
know both.

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.

I would have loved to have interned with a more experienced LC when I was a
new.  There are still times I wish to shadow some of the people who are
practicing now.  If you want to be able to intern, you need to:
1.  Make sure you are current on how breastfeeding works.
2.  Dialogue with the mentor-IBCLC on how you will get experience she cannot
provide.
3.  Offer to pay her for her time and experience.  Remember you are getting
one-on-one instruction.

Good luck in your quest to become an IBCLC.

All the BEST,

Linda Pohl, IBCLC, RLC

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