Many IBCLCs have strong backgrounds in a variety of areas, such as mental health, speech pathology, nutrition, etc. I have seen IBCLCs pick up on a variety of issues that nurses have not, due to their focus and passion about breastfeeding. Specifically because some IBCLCs do not come from a typical medical model of care, they can be especially sensitive to a new mom's postpartum issues.
If there is a true desire to open barriers to minorities and those who have been unable to become IBCLCs, becoming an RN in order to get employment is just adding an additional barrier. If the lactation field truly sees the IBCLC as the "gold standard", I think limiting employment to those who also have an RN degree is detrimental. I have seen nurses without the IBCLC favored for jobs as "lactation nurses" without the required expertise an IBCLC has.
Since so much time, effort and money is needed to pursue the IBCLC, if the certification is not truly "stand-alone", we are going to lose out on some exceptional talent.
Beth Lichy
Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 22:42:59 -0400
From: "Nancy E. Wight MD, IBCLC, FABM, FAAP" <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: LCs in hospitals
Hospitals are concerned with cost-effectiveness, liability and flexibility
as well as excellent patient care. RN/IBCLCs are utility players and may
recognize problems other than lactation issues.
Nancy
Nancy E. Wight MD, IBCLC, FABM, FAAP
Neonatologist, San Diego Neonatology, Inc.
Medical Director, Sharp HealthCare Lactation Services
Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women and Newborns
[log in to unmask]
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