Just a note here, that if you want the IBCLC to be an international
credential, it might be of interest to consider the paths in other
countries.

My understanding (as both a non-health professional and a non-ibclc) is that
in the UK many who might be both interested in becoming an ibclc, and able
to document the hours required, are health professionals.  Most of these
would be either midwives or health visitors -- historically these people
were all nurses, but both professions now have training which does not
necessarily require previous qualification as a nurse.   In the future,
there will be many people who are midwives or health visitors but have no
nursing qualification.  (There are a few now).

I have no idea about other countries -- as I say, I barely know about the
UK, because I am not a health professional, although I get asked  as a
'user' for my opinion on training courses and I am a student in a University
dept of Midwivery Studies, so I have heard bits and pieces.  Please be
careful that this debate does not become 'US only' -- if there is any desire
for the 'I' in 'IBCLC' to have meaning.

Magda Sachs
Breastfeeding Supporter, BfN, UK

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