I need to say that "entry level exam" and "entry level knowledge" are not my
definitions of the exam.  I am unable to properly cite sources (my desk is being
refinished and my stuff is EVERYWHERE, I can't find a thing!) but I am sure
those phrases came from ILCA or IBLCE.

While on this subject, I will no longer take part in any ongoing discussion on
this subject.  People are so emotional about these issues that I find  them
inappropriate for this setting.  Many feelings and repuations are being trounced
on on both sides of this issue in my opinion and that it not what I had intended
to happen and it certainly defeats the purpose of this group (LACTNET
discussion).

Through this enlightening discussion, I have decided that certification, though
important to the profession, is not all important to me at this time.  IBCLCs
cannot even get a job in my area or be paid enough to cover their own costs.  I
am unable to finance every new mothers breastfeeding experience and maintain a
family with four children on one income.  Don't get me wrong here, I never
intended to make $ in this field, but I do pay for 3  rental pumps that sit more
often than not in hopes of getting practice hours for the exam.  If I sit down
and divide the amount of $ I put into lactation last year only by the number of
practice hours I was able to get, each hour cost me $188.24 and a lot of those
hours IBLCE will not accept towards qualification for the exam.  The area I live
in has an average income of less than $15,000 a year.  My moms don't care if I
am LLL, IBCLC, or anything other than able to help them in whatever small way
that I can.  While this is not the case in most other areas, unfortunately, it
is a situation that is far from changing here.

Part of being a good LC is knowing your limitations.  I have found that to be
true, but in areas other than skill and knowledge it is holds true also.  This
is a very sobering realization on my part and one that pains me greatly.  I have
worked HARD for what I have accomplished but for sanity and the financial well
being of my family I must back off, at least for now.  I will concentrate my
efforts to learning what I can where I can and my LLL duties.

Any replies to this or other postings I have presented should be sent private
e-mail to me.

Tearfully,
Melissa Brancho
(Just plain me)