I think that part of the problem is that there has not been the
widespread development of university-level lactation programs which
could confer say a Bachelor of Science in Lactation.
Without such a degree, it is difficult to gain acceptance in medical
circles. Although I once was happy to see lactation develop its
knowledge base and become more "professional" I am now unhappy with
the direction it is taking. Without a well-rounded course of study
which is heavy on the kinds of communication skills that helped early
LLL/IBCLCs to be so effective, we will see more of "medical" and less
of the "counseling" aspect of the profession and the continued
medicalization of breastfeeding itself.

Perhaps this will lead to a resurgence of volunteer lactation
specialists who no longer aspire to be IBCLCs, but find other avenues
to help mothers and babies.

Sharon Knorr, IBCLC, NY, USA

             ***********************************************

Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html
To reach list owners: [log in to unmask]
Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask]
COMMANDS:
1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail
2. To start it again: set lactnet mail
3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome