Dear Nikki,
I can't speak for the program you have seemed to have chosen.  Is it on-line format?
Is there classroom time..is it in an intensive format?  

Way back in 1987, after being a LLL Leader for 3 years, I chose to take the UCLA Extension
Certified Lactation Educator Program.  I was encouraged to do so by Kittie Frantz, who
at that time was a LLL Leader and CNP for my children.

It was set up for two weekends-full day Sat & Sun/separated by 4 weeks. The room was
packed with 50 registrants from all professions.  There were even some front office staff ie
secretaries who had been sent by their Ped employer so they would be able to answer
some of the most basic 'normal course of breastfeeding'.  They were the most overwhelmed
as most of breastfeeding was foreign to them.  The first day we were to introduce ourselves.
I can't tell you the range of looks I got when I said I was a LLL Leader.  Necks strained (some
glaring) so much to say 'so that's what one of them looks like'.  I was immediately made to
separated from the group; as during the breaks groups would gather and speak in hushed tones
and point at me.  Thank goodness Kittie was there..I really wanted to leave..but she encouraged 
me to stay.
But by the end of the first weekend (after Kittie looked to me to complete her sentences)
I gained a respect of sorts...where many were asking me how to become a Leader.  
Though she never admitted it to me; I believe she asked me to take the course to lend credibility
the LLL Leadership.
Even with only 3 years of leadership...mainly much from my own experiences and the thorough Leader
accreditation process; it was apparent I was an expert...or at least really knew my stuff.  In the accreditation
process I had already learned about group dynamics; empathetic  answering and active listening.  
The bias exercises really helped me identify areas that raise my hackles...and I find I have to work
 on that on a daily basis. Even 25 years later.

I learned nothing new.  But I did learn how to structure a curriculum/ layout a lecture for a basic
3 hrs breastfeeding class.  I use those basic principles all the time to this day.  I loved attending
other breastfeeding classes/ assessing the type of handouts etc.  Back then most of the material
was formula company sponsored. I was the only one to mention this flaw..way before the WHO 
code.   The best time was attending the breastfeeding clinic at the
USC  Medical center.  That's where I first heard about baby self-latch...way back then.  I'll share
that experience another time.

Anyway...what have I gained  by taking this course?  For starters; a lot more confidence.  I've never
earned a penny from it.  Well, I take that back; I worked for the Lactation Institute for six years.
They too had a CLE course.  I will not comment on their course offering as the program and the
offices of the LI no longer exist.
Over the years, I've considered, offering fee-based private breastfeeding 
classes wearing the CLE hat.  But somehow it never happened.  I have an on-going working and
breastfeeding class I do as a Leader to raise funds for group operations.

For 15 years I was the Chief Proctor for the IBLCE for the Los Angeles site.  I've seen many of my
Leader friends sit.  I only briefly considered taking the exam.  Somehow I never was motivated because
I guess I found I was already carrying all the credentials I needed:  mother to 3 long-term breastfed
children; accreditation by an International Breastfeeding organization...and the rewards that come
from volunteering.
I'm not sure any of this helps you Nikki...but I thought I'd offer my personal experience.

Renee' 


>Date:    Wed, 22 Jul 2009 14:58:19 -0700
>From:    Nicki Heskin <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Re: CAPPA Lactation Educator Program
>
>Liz,
>
>It's not that I have anything against the IBCLC (although it's worth noting
>that for me, breastfeeding was saved by two very amazing CLCs).  But I want
>to do more general parent education... Being an LC doing 1-on-1 would not be
>my ultimate career goal.  But I feel that breastfeeding is an essential
>piece of any new parent education.  And while I do that already to some
>extent through my writing, I am VERY cautious about being sure not to give
>any medical advice or diagnosis and referring to the need for lactional or
>medical professionals (plus a hefty and specific disclaimer) on any writing
>about actual health or breastfeeding issues (as opposed to non-medical stuff
>like product reviews or commentaries).  
>
>But I feel that because breastfeeding is a little different than an issue
>like sleep methods or discipline, where my learned opinion is just as valid
>as any other "expert,"  I feel that breastfeeding is another story.  And
>while I have lots of anecdotal experience, there is just a baseline level of
>training and knowledge where I may have holes, or need formal training to be
>able to really consider myself qualified to be "officially" helping others.
>For example, I have been asked to facilitate new mom attachement parenting
>sort of support groups in an AP-oriented shop in our area.  The LCs I went
>to did this and it was an incredible support system for me, and I'd love to
>provide that for others.  But the big difference is that they were CLCs and
>I am not.  For sleep or baby products or swaddling or whatever else, I'm
>perfectly comfortable with my knowledge base and "credentials" but for
>breastfeeding, I want something more there, for my participants' protection
>as well as my own liability.
>
>Perhaps someday I'd be interested in the IBCBC, and I want to look into
>whether I need to be tracking hours in case I might someday want to apply
>them (I think you can do that, right?), but for now, it is such a HUGE
>undertaking, it's really a whole career move, and not only do I not want to
>commit to that right now with young children, but I don't really want to put
>all my eggs in the breastfeeding basket, so to speak.
>
>The CLE seems like exactly the right nugget of what I feel I need or might
>be lacking.  I may learn tons I don't know, or I may find I know more than I
>think I do, but have some gaps or holes filled in.  But either way, I think
>an "real" certification in this area is worthy.  I did attend several LLL
>meetings to consider going the leader route, but since LLL was not my
>personal path, it didn't feel like an authentic fit for me.  I also worried
>a bit out having my hands tied in my own personal writing and teaching by
>being bound by the LLL official stances because of their liability insurance
>tie in.  I don't always agree with them on every little point and want the
>freedom to say so.  That said, I think they are in incredible organization.
>
>So... I am just about ready to jump in to the CAPPA program before the end
>of the year, but I just wanted to get some impressions (to turn the question
>back on you) about how their certification is regarded in the larger
>lactation field (I had asked my midwife some time ago when I first
>considered this if she would write one of my recs, and she mentioned that
>she thought it was looked down upon by IBCLCs as presumpuous and amateur and
>a little insulting to them that CLEs would feel they can do so much of what
>*they* do with so much less training).  I wondered if that was true.  And I
>was hoping to hear from some who had been through the program just to make
>sure it wasn't secretly awful (did hear from one CLE already with positive
>feedback.. Thanks for that!).
>
>Hope that answers your question.. Probably more than you want.  I am happy
>to be doing something though.. I feel pretty outclassed on this loop!  :-)
>You ladies are amazing!
>
>Nicki :-)

             ***********************************************

Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html
To reach list owners: [log in to unmask]
Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask]
COMMANDS:
1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail
2. To start it again: set lactnet mail
3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome