When I first heard about the new CBC credential I also thought of it
in terms of watering down the profession. Recently, however, I have
come in contact with a number of people, none of whom are IBCLCs, but
all of whom are calling themselves lactation counselors. What concerns
me is that they have widely differing lengths of training and there is
no standardization of the training's length or content. As an example,
some have taken CLC or CLE courses but do not even know the difference
the two.

As in any profession, there are always some who are better and/or more
experienced than others. That is to be expected.  I understand that
the new credential is to be used as a step in becoming an IBCLC. Could
we also specify that CBCs only be allowed to work (in the field of
lactation) in a voluntary capacity?

This would answer a number of concerns:
 -  basic volunteer training would be more uniform
 -  build a pool of trained volunteers
 -  encourage volunteers to become fully qualified  IBCLCs
 -  emphasize the importance of having IBCLCs in paid positions
 -  build public awareness of the significance of the IBCLC qualification
 -  encourage acceptance of IBCLCs as a stand-alone profession

Just my 2 cents :)

norma


-- 
Norma Ritter, IBCLC, RLC
Breastfeeding Matters in the Capital Region
[log in to unmask]
www.NormaRitter.com
http://normaritter.blogspot.com/

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