I agree with Sue Jacoby that it is important to recognize that the purpose
of certification and the further refinement of our professional credential
is the protection of the consumer.  When one goes to a dentist, a lawyer,
even a hairdresser there is the expectation (due to the fact these people
are licensed) that they all have shared in a training program which to some
extent standardizes their knowledge base.  This gives some assurance that
they will follow protocols designed to protect consumer health and welfare,
and to be able to deliver the goods in terms of meeting consumer expectation
of services.

My continuing concern over the casual use of the term "LC" by non-certified
individuals is that the public then is not protected from the well-meaning
but uninformed breastfeeding enthusiast.  Women may then say "Well, I saw an
LC, but she wasn't able to help me."  Who knows, at this point, whether she
saw an IBCLC or not.  As Sue points out, IBCLC is an ENTRY-LEVEL credential.
However it is currently the best way to protect the consumer because it
requires prerequisits, attempts to quantify the knowledge base, sets out a
code of ethics, and holds us to a standard of practice.

Barbara

Barbara Wilson-Clay, BS, IBCLC
Private Practice, Austin, Texas
Owner, Lactnews On-Line Conference Page
http://moontower.com/bwc/lactnews.html