Interesting thread.  Most of us on this list are passionate about
breastfeeding.  Many of us can perhaps afford not to make great money from
lactation consulting - either because our spouse makes good money or because
we have another job.  But our children grow up, need college fees, and a
family's financial needs change.

By association - breastfeeding is devalued if we
cannot put a price on the "services" needed to help women and babies get it
right.  When it comes to finding money for breastfeeding education for
staff - it is nowhere to be found.  Money can always be found for "more
important" issues such as immunization, family planning, HIV/AIDS training.

Unfortunately, in this world we live in, breastfeeding and the work we do
needs to be given a $ value or else it is seen as unimportant.  My 2ml
worth!

And I would like to strongly endorse what Debi says:  "The IBCLC credential
stands on its own, doesn't it?  I want us to be careful to establish the LC
profession as a profession of its own, not a sub-specialty of maternal child
health nursing."

Jean Ridler  RN  RM  IBCLC   Cape Town

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