Kathy R says "I, personally, (correct me if I am wrong) have always thought
of the IBCLC exam as an advanced certification (hence, the first "C"), NOT
an entry-level exam. We, in the LC profession, do not have an official
entry-level exam (equated to a basic licensure as RN or MD). The IBCLC is an
advanced Certification (equated to a nursing certification in ER,
Maternal-infant, NICU or a medical specialty such as Board-certified in
Pediatrics, etc)."
Hi Kathy, I disagree. I think, and I've always understood ibclc to be entry
level. It could be construed to be an advanced certification for an RN or
other known profession, for example, but not for the LC as an INDEPENDENT
profession. Since we are a new profession, there is alot of ironing out of
the pathways to LCdom and c.e. maintenance etc. For example, while
practising as a nurse, I used to have a certification in neonatal intensive
care nursing. This was an advanced certification showing I had specialized
knowledge in nicu care. I let that lapse when I started working earnestly as
an LC (even though I am hired as an RN - this is a barrier we need to
overcome, so that ibclc can stand alone). After sitting the iblce exam one
has the basic entry level knowledge needed to function as an LC, but surely
is not as capable an LC as she will be in 10 yrs. An intern out of medical
school passes the boards, but surely is not as capable an MD as one 10 yrs
out. Most professions have entry level boards. Does this make sense? One
day, the LC profession may have its own university tract and then one could
have a BS, MS, PhD etc in lactation. This would show levels of expertise
better.

Laurie Wheeler, IBCLC, MN, RN
New Orleans Louisiana, s.e. USA


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