Linda Smith asks:

>
>In my opinion, Individuals representing ("accredited by") national
>breastfeeding organizations such as NCT and NMAA are well-respected in their
>respective countries (and elsewhere) and have done phenomenal work to turn
>the public tide back to breastfeeding, whether or not their programs have
>disciplinary components. I hope someone from these organizations will
>address this issue in more detail.


NCT is not a 'breastfeeding organisation' but a charity whose remit
is education for parenthood. Within that remit, we train ante-natal
teachers, bfcs, postnatal discussion leaders. It's my favourite
organisation : ) because bf is a part of the whole shebang of
conception, pregnancy, parenthood - we are very holistic : )

As bfcs we have to re-register every year and show we have undergone
further study every year by attending 3 full days study every two
years. We have to show we are in touch with other bfcs and other
parts of NCT.

We do indeed have mechanisms in place to de-register someone. If they
do not re-register, or satisfy the re-registering requirements
without good reason, they are de-registered. Formal disciplinary
proceedings are rare, but they are occasionally used, though I can't
remember anyone I knew of going through it. There is also an appeals
procedure.  I don't know if this has been used or not, though. More
often, someone is asked to resign, or resigns anyway without being
asked.  I do know of a handful of cases where this has happened.

Poor or less than ideal practice is dealt with more informally, on
the whole, though, with our system of supervision by peers or by
tutors (I am a tutor) which offers support to all bfcs.  We also have
to write up a case history every year for assessment.

We do not have a clinical responsibility, but we are of course
insured with NCT which is legally liable for anything we say or do.

Heather Welford Neil
NCT bfc Newcastle upon Tyne UK

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