What clears it up really quickly for my clients is explaining that lots of
people can help with breastfeeding, with or without formal instruction.
But right now, IBCLC is the only *independent* professional lactation
expert.  Only IBCLCs can get the insurance we need to safely work in
private practice.  Any other helper who is getting paid, is going to be
working/insured under some other auspices--either a nurse CLC working in a
physicians' office, or somebody employed by WIC, or whatever.  Only IBCLCs
can hang out a shingle independently using that credential alone.

Now, if somebody chimes in that they know CLCs or others who *do* have a
private practice and just do so without insurance, I may have to plant my
face on my keyboard.

Lynn Carter OFS LLLL IBCLC
Missouri, USA

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