Jaye I understand your frustration.  I have the same thoughts but for hospital 
LC's that are not nurses and got their hours signed off because its not what 
you know it who ya know.  I know you got your hours the old fashion way and 
it just busts your gut when  people slide by.  It isn't fair.

Many of us RN's have worked (and are required to use only the hours of pt 
and baby contact)  so you have to work at least 5 to 7 years to truthfully put 
the hours YOU had contact with baby and mom.  I know some people don't do 
it the honest way, but others do.  Some RN's work at a busy hospital and 
have lots of pts to care for and are helping moms right and  left.  They do 
care how initiation of breastfeeding gets  started.  They have served their 
own time in the trenches working with or against the docs.  We have studied 
our brains out for nursing school and then need to study our brains out again 
for the IBCLC test.  It took me a long time to accumulate hours because I only 
used the hours I did hands on breastfeeding.  We had other RN IBCLC some for 
20 or more years to help show us the ropes.  I don't feel I've skimmped on 
anything.  If truth be told my horizon is broadened due to the length of hours 
required, and the grinding curriculum of nursing school.  Those of us who wish 
to be LC's knuckle down, learn, read, go to moms groups, pick the brains of 
our elders, go to conferences.  Then on top of that be responsible because of 
the RN initials to at a moments notice resusitate an infant that is not making 
the transition to extrauterine life as we expected.  

To much is given, much is expected.  I sometimes feel I should not be held to 
the same standards as the staff RN.  But the hospital doesn't care.  so not 
only do I need to study and learn all I can about the breastfeeding dyad, I stiil 
must keep the RN stuff up to date and ready to execute at any time.  I don't 
think thats fair.  I am a staff LC.  what the heck...  I bust my butt, seeing 
folks even if I stay over as I know how much time all of us give away for free.  
Either because we want to learn, or we care about the moms under our care.. 
or both.  If I were an isolated case I wouldn't be defensive about it.  I am not. 
I have been working with moms for 20 years and I think that gives me the 
right to nag a little.  Its been a long day.  Hospital and home visit till 10pm.

robin

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