Laurie says:

> it comes down to what is your/our definition of lactation
> consultant. I see it as a health care professional who can assist with
> SPECIAL bf situations

Hmmm....   I think I agree with this, but it does depend on the local
breastfeeding culture.  I see plenty  of normal mother/baby dyads that have
not found the right support or information and in many cases have had
breastfeeding sabotaged by unnecessary interventions and unbelievable
"advice".   You could say they are now "problem situations", but I also do
provide a service to new moms to help them "prevent" the problems often
encountered in our culture.  Until the local culture changes and primary
care givers can support, enable and help in normal situations there is a
place for LCs in this area.  I do refer to local breastfeeding support
groups, but bf has become so medicalised that few mothers see the benefit of
this unless they actually attend a meeting and see for themselves.

> I don't think the LC needs to enter
> via the RN or OT or RD pathway, but I do think the Lc needs to have its
own
> university program.

My concern here is "where" and "how"?  Please don't forget the "I" in IBCLC!

Jean Ridler  RN  RM  IBCLC
Cape Town, South Africa
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