Mary Alice,

It would be very disheartening if IBCLCs only got the train wrecks, as you so
aptly describe them.  Oftentimes, when the "trainwrecks" finally get seen the
mom has run out of gas and even though the problem could be fixed she hasn't
the emotional strength, the time, the money, the support or resolve necessary
to reach a happy ending.  It's so nice to have what in my view is an "easy"
case come in that can be resolved in the couple of hours spent during the
consult with everybody happy and satisfied at its conclusion.  If they didn't
come through periodically, one could become very disheartened and that can
certainly affect one's productivity in a not so positive way.  So personally,
I enjoy the challenge and satisfaction of some of the more complex cases I've
had the opportunity to work with and grow from, but I really like the "quick
fix" ones that recharge the batteries because of the instant gratification.

Gretchen Andrews, BA, LLLL, IBCLC
private practice, Redlands, CA