When Amy originally posted, she was (I believe) trying to understand the source of tension between the new lactation educators and the IBCLCs, *the latter of whom had originally supported the training.* Not being cognizant of all the controversy, she was looking for input on how valid the concerns were. One thing that has not been addressed yet is the "why?" of the change of heart with the IBCLCs. I want to believe that there is a valid reason for them to have changed their stance, but that can only be determined by dialogue. The real issue that needs to be discussed is what the level of training of the new counselors is, and what they are and are not qualified to tackle. I share the concerns of many other consultants that some people do not recognize their limitations, and that level of preparation varies by program. There *are* programs that tell their participants that they can now do more than I would be comfortable with; how do we communicate limitations without crushing budding enthusiasm? I teach for another program (5 day plus homework), and it is emphasized that students are "qualified" to teach breastfeeding education and do basic routine latch and lactation support when they have completed the entire program (3 mos+). It is understood that they are not consultants, and that they are not "certified." Unfortunately, we too lose some potential students to programs that issue their own certifications. I remember being on the other side of the fence, most especially as an LLL Leader, and wanting to be seen for my actual skills, not perceived. Therefore, on the IBCLC side, I want to support and nurture budding educators/counselors, not compete with them. At the same time, they hopefully will not try to be more than their training and experience qualify them for. Clear expectations laid out in advance, to the degree that this can happen, can help smooth out these kinds of troubles. In my own experience, cultivating relationships with educators/counselors does a lot to prevent conflict. If they feel respected by me, they also feel free to say "I'm in over my head." Thus, I tend to trust them, not distrust them. On a personal note: I do wish that all training programs would cease issuing certifications or anything else that can be misleading. We have talked about the confusion for parents, but as is happening with Amy's colleagues, there is also unnecessary confusion between IBCLCs and those who are coming up the training ladder. Programs that claim to qualify participants for more than is reasonable for their level of experience (which I realize is also subject to differing opinion) contribute to the conflict that many are experiencing. Lisa Marasco LLL, MA, IBCLC *********************************************** The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html