Coach Smith:  I heartily agree with your  "matrix" concept for LC care:

>My advice is get out of a "dualistic" mode of thinking and into a "matrix"
>format. Many kinds of people can effectively help moms, and moms may need a
>wide variety of supporters/protectors to be enabled to breastfeed long and
>well.

I admire the three level model I've heard you propose for the training of
breastfeeding helpers:  Basic, Intermediate & Advanced.  Obviously, we need
a large community of helpers on the first two levels, and fewer on the
advanced level.

Perhaps what we need are ways that are universally recognized credentials
at each level (like the BSC credentials).  Folks could start out at Basic
level, and progress to their comfort & expertise level. It would be ideal
to require  counseling observation, as well as an exam to pass from one
level to another.

It is interesting that the IBCLC credential was established as an *entry
level* credential; yet, often it is seen as an *expert* credential.

************Cindy Turner-Maffei, MA, IBCLC, aka [log in to unmask]***********
Lactation Consultant/WIC Nutritionist/Mom with an Attitude~~Cape Cod, MA,
USA