Good Morning,

I wanted to throw in my thoughts on qualifications.  I was pleased to read
Mary's description of how they treat applications.  I too have wondered about
people 'fudging' practice hours.  I personally feel that candidates SHOULD
have an established IBCLC mentor, someone who's been in the field for 5+
years, as a way to monitor the candidates learning and practice time.
 However, I realize that not everyone is able to have an IBCLC mentor.  I am
lucky enough to have my good friend Karen Evon as my mentor, and believe me I
learn something new EVERY day, and she makes sure I know what I'm doing!  :)

We have an IBCLC here in Sacramento who, IMHO, needs to be stripped of her
IBCLC.  Others here feel the same way.  She does things that are totally
inappropriate, ie. telling moms she needs to put their baby to HER breast in
order to do a suck evaluation,  telling moms who are having BF problems that
it is THEIR fault, and if the mom has a hard time doing what they've been
told, then she tells the mom that they aren't trying hard enough and maybe
they don't really want to BF their baby!  This came to me firsthand by a mom
this person has dealt with this person (she came to me in tears and I'm not
even a CLE yet!), and I have talked with many others here who have all dealt
with this womans *fallout* of crying moms.
This is just one example of  a HORRID IBCLC, and it is people like her who
give us all a bad name, and reputation.  Mary, what can we do about people
like this one here?
Anyway, I feel that monitoring of candidates is well warranted, and
reccomending that they have mentors is a wonderful idea!
The public needs to be made aware of the qualifications of a GOOD LC.  I
think it is high time that there be some sort of news program telling about
IBCLCs , what they do, and how they get their training.  Oprah maight be a
good place to start, or even Montel Williams (He is very proud of the fact
that his wife is BF their newborn).  These shows, I know, may not be *news*
shows, but a LOT of people watch them, especially pregnant moms home on
maternity leave!  Anyone out there willing to go on TV?  I'll write the
letters!
Just think about how many people there are out there who don't even know that
this field even exists!  I had no clue until I stumbled upon a wonderful gal
named Anne Gorrell (who is lurking Here now!  Hi Anne!) who put me in touch
with Karen Evon when I was having horrible problems BF my, then newborn, son.
   If I hadn't found them, I would have ended up quitting BF, because my
problems were so severe.  That would have killed me, because I am so FOR BF.
  I never want any of my children to have anything but my milk while they are
babies (or toddlers!).
Well, now I'm rambling so it must be time to get some breakfast!  Doughnuts
anyone?

Take care all, thanks for listening!

Jay
LC2B  With great teachers!