"As long as we stand divided on this issue, which we are now, with many
routes to various "competencies," and as long as the credential of IBCLC is
not seen as the basic minimum with which to practice lactation
consultation, we will have a weakened and diluted "profession," with
reduced ability to provide a standard of good care, and we will have less
chance to be recognized and taken seriously in the field of health care
providers. Ethics, information, practice skill, and oversight of all of the
above are crucial. My opinion only."
I am in complete agreement with those of you who are advocating regulation of
credentials. Of course we all want women/families/the general public to get
the most current and correct information and thus further the good reputation
that lactation consultants (IBCLCs) deserve.
I am currently a volunteer, teaching classes at a military installation where
there is no one to do this. I also teach classes to RNs, LPNs and MDs as
there is no one to do this for this particular hospital (or no one to
coordinate for the resources). I am not certified, in fact I don't even work
in the health care field at all. I am working toward my IBCLC but am several
years away. I work with new moms and field calls from mothers with
questions/problems. I stress to everyone that I am not qualified/certified
etc. and that they need to seek help from an IBCLC but I will be glad to pass
on references, information and things that I have learned from extensive
reading, your exchanges on LACTNET and from breastfeeding my two children.
I have a totally unrelated full time job and two small children. I am not
doing this for money, I do this because I believe every woman and child
deserves an informed and supported start to breastfeeding. I am desperately
trying to put together resources in the local area; lactation consultants
(not many), WIC, LLL, supportive PEDS and OB MDs and RNs, other moms.
I think that the shortage of IBCLCs leaves a void that some of us feel
compelled to fill, even unqualified. I am fully aware of the risk I take
when giving information to mothers and if I feel I am over my head b/c of the
situation I tell them that. I hope that I never pass on bad information to
women or discourage them from finding other help. I applaud all the other
women who are trying to "fill the gap" the best way they know how. Those of
you who are IBCLCs; we who are not but are working toward that goal would
love mentorship and guidance and an experienced person to turn to in order to
make sure we are on the right track. I have asked several organizations who
offer "certification" courses but they will only back those who have already
attended their courses, which is understandable.
If anyone knows of any resources in the El Paso area, please contact me off
net. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Christie Pillado
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