This question of which credentials are needed to practice where, how and be
properly compensated bring to mind the very similar debate that is going on
around the world in midwifery. Do midwives need to be trained within the
medical model to practice within the medical environment? Is birth an
illness? Does it belong in the hospital? Is midwifery the practice of
medicine? Does medical training prepare one to support a normal physiologic
process?

Is lactation consultation the practice of medicine? Does one need to be
trained within the medical model to practice as an LC? Is breastfeeding an
illness?

I'm curious about the scope of practice of LCs, do you spend more time
supporting normal or do you spend more time with clients who have an illness
impeding breastfeeding?

Lisa Boisvert Mackenzie, Midwife
Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands

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