Diane posted, rather eloquently, on initials granted by self-certifying
courses, and then asked:


> So now I'm not sure where to go next.  I don't know that it *matters* so
> much what the standards of the self-certifying courses are, because the
> certifications are, well, self-certifying, and there are lots and lots of
> excellent courses - big and small - out there, and they *all* improve the
> knowledge base of the people who take them.  We're left, really, with IBLCE
> and the national and international mother-to-mother groups.  Would people
> still like to see a listing of the standards/prereq's, etc for them?
>
>
Well, I for one would like to know what people have to do to get certain
initials behind their name, even if it is from a self certifying agency.  I
do get calls from people telling me that they are a "CLE" or a "CLC" or
something else, and I honestly have to admit that I truly don't know anymore
what that means.  I used to think I knew, but I've been duly corrected, and
apparently there is more than one self certifying educational program that
offers the same initials.

So yes, Diane, I think it would be helpful.  And perhaps there should be a
universal designation for everyone who has been through an educational
program, but has not yet, or chooses not, to sit for the IBLCE exam --
perhaps something like "Breastfeeding Assistant."  A term which indicates
that a person has had education in the field, but doesn't yet qualify for the
board exam (one who does and has been accepted is an IBLCE Candidate), but
one that doesn't "advertise" through use of special initials....

Food for thought.
Jan Barger, RN, MA, IBCLC -- Wheaton IL
Lactation Education Consultants
www.lactationeducationconsultants.com

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