Catherine,

I think you misunderstood my posting.  I was refering to obtaining malpractice
insurance while working through the 2500 to 4000 practice hours to sit for the
exam.  It is  my understanding that you can not be a part of the practicum
offered through Georgetown University unless you can provide your own
malpractice insurance.  While they offer a great opportunity for learning, it is
unavailable to me and I others who have no other degree, liscense, or
certification because we are not able to get coverage.  This is my point.  If we
all go and get RNs or whatever in order to:

1.  Become a good LC with a wide range of clinical experience

2.  Be eligible for certification for IBCLC

3.  Gain acceptance in medical community

we are asking for problems like you spoke of (RN doing LC job and LC doing RN or
both).  I think there is a better way.

I think that Pacific Oaks program, or one like it, should be the way we train
future IBCLC's.  The course of education is well planned and presented in a
straightforeward approach.  Each student can see where to start and how to reach
the end.  There is no more guessing.  I personally am growing tired of
constantly having to call the IBLCE or someone else to see what hours will be
accepted towards the exam and which ones won't. An example is:   Some will say
that any hours that you work with breastfeeding moms will count but when I asked
IBLCE, I found that you must first complete some kind of training or education
before you can acrue hours, even if you are working in a mentoring relationship
before you complete your education.

I think that any program that will offer lactation education AND practical
experience will enhance the field of lactation in the eyes of the entire medical
community, more so than RN, RD, and the rest.  A plan of study that would put
EVERYONE at the same starting point and allow for EVERYONE to have access to
practical experience that will better ready them for working in the field.
Experience should touch on ALL AREAS where an LC may be needed.  Ideally, this
education would be available everywhere to eliminate excessive travel.  Wouldn't
it be great!  I would still have to drive forever but at least I could attend
without moving!

By the way, is there an e-mail address for the IBLCE where we may address such
questions to?  The long distance calls are adding up.

Still waiting for feedback on Syntocinon.  Posted 4/19/96 (Friday).

I hope people can understand this.  It has been a long day for me and tomorrow
promises to be even longer!

Melissa Brancho
Mom of four & BSC student who is working her butt off to obtain practical
experience any way she can and going broke doing it!