I just signed on to Lactnet and have enjoyed it so far, I read the welcome
pages so I hope I did this right. My analogy for the qualifications of an LC
who sits for the exams compared to the one who doesn't reminds me of similar
situation between RN's and LPN's. I have met many LPN's that could run circles
around some RN's but they are not allowed to call themselves RN's or lead
people to believe that they are. Whether a person is qualified or not to be an
IBCLC it is a matter of who went that extra mile to place those initials after
their name. If you choose not to work harder at becoming an RN or you choose
not to sit for the IBCLC exam you should not be practicing in the same manner
as one. I agree there are many outstanding and qualified people out there that
know as much as the IBCLC, (I read their books and learn from them
everyday)but whatever reason they choose not to take the test, unfortunately
they shouldn't practice in the same manner.
Maria Thulin RN IBCLC