Wise Ones,
I'm not sure I should write because I'm seriously sleep deprived..so if I
don't make sense please excuse me.

I have been reading the recent posts about training, IBCLC vs. CLE..I'm only
a CBE (Certified Breastfeeding Educator) two day work shop kids. I know I'm
on the low end of the totem pole and I'm ok with it. My primary focus is
working as Doula, I am passionately involved with birthing families. I
gain bits of training when I can, to be a better DOULA  I will never become
a IBCLC. I feel I make a contribution to the lactation field as I have
access to pregnant women everyday!  I'm more often than not  the
first person to help new moms with breastfeeding. I have five years
experience helping babes to breast after birth. I feel confident in helping
moms deal with position questions, latch questions, frequency questions,
plugged duct and mastitis questions. That's it though!  I ALWAYS refer to
IBCLC's. if the problem or question is out of my scope of practice. I also
inform  mom's my level of training and experience and let her know
where she can find more resources for her questions.

I'm thrilled I have LN to refer to and learn from. I know I'm a novice and
that is OK. I'm very comfortable with where I'm at "on the pole". I do feel
very welcomed here and have always have had responses
to my questions both on the list and privately. If I went  through the
work, education and the hours the IBCLC's have, I would feel the some way
that most of you are posting, you DESERVE to be recognized for the knowledge
and experience you have. I do believe we ALL  have wisdom to share.

Mary Anderson
Proud Mama of two and one on the way,
Passionate Doula,
Humbled CBE,
Special Education Teacher..in another life. Is that a BS or a BA?

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