Could the implied (or otherwise) differences in the words breastfeeding and
lactation have significance in the debate over what to call oneself (if not
an IBCLC, which naturally shortens to LC)?  I'm thinking about the title of
Jan Riordan and Kathleen Auerbach's book, Breastfeeding and Human Lactation.
 Two sides of the coin, the difference between the chicken and the egg?  One
perspective seems to look more toward the mother and baby, while the other
seems more scientific. I dunno, just ruminating.
I agree with those who have commented about a responsibility to the
public--to whom one is respresenting oneself as an LC--and those implications
of education and expertise. If one is not an IBCLC, and helps mothers with
breastfeeding, why not simply call oneself a breastfeeding counselor? This is
clear enough.  To the MOTHERS we help, what really matters is HOW we
help--not what letters come after our names.
I think this is a very interesting and enlightening debate, several
questionable and sticky issues were brought forth--and, of course, discussion
is passionate. On Lactnet, we hear the passionate as well as the
professional--and the beauty of our work is that we can be (and are) both.  I
also think, that in order for all of us to be able to work together well, we
have to bat around these concerns. Obviously, if it were not something that
went right to so many hearts and minds, we would hear few or no comments.
Thanks to Melissa and others.
Diane Dressler, Rutland, Vermont