> Maybe licensure would be a good idea, BUT, IMHO we
>really need supervised clinical hours.  Experienced LCs need to mentor new
>LCs.  Perhaps an internship of 6 mos. to a year before full certification.
> Ideally, the internship would include different rotations, giving novice LC
>a variety of experiences.  Physicians, nurses, (even beauticians!) all need
>to have this supervised learning period.  It won't insure that everyone
>practices well, butI think it would help.

Brilliant Idea !!!! in 1987-89 my first personal experiences with 2 LC's
from FLA showed me THE WAY they both became my informal mentors and i let
them know how valued they are to me and the mom's and babies i now
serve....both have left the field hopefully only temporary life changes as
they have so much to offer. The world is a better place because of their
mark, their support of mommies and babies, I salute you both. this World
Breastfeeding Week to June in Alaska and Debbie in St Petersberg......i
love you.   and yes i would have PAID to have you both formally MENTOR me..