thank you bonnie for your well-put thoughts on the requirements to sit the
exam. however, let me play devil's advocate for moment and point out some
considerations that occur to me about the scenarios you have described.

you have someone who works with you who has taken the course and is heavily
relied upon. that's excellent. how i wish every hospital within shouting
distance of my voice had someone like that. but how about experience with
older nurslings, "normal" breastfeeding situations, child development, some
not-so-basic knowledge of research, politics, and advocacy? i see many people
who are seriously interested in lactation, and consider pursuing it as a
career option or at least as a serious volunteer activity, but needs to know
more and to just have more experience. i would not like to view the time
period needed to satisfy the requirement as "marking time."

in other words, if someone wants to be an LC and has a medical background,
well, i say they can overcome that.

carol b.