Hi Everybody
For what it's worth Joy Anderson has hit a point with me too so I am
adding my 2 bits.
I also was probably one of those borderline people who managed to be
able to take the exam, I also passed first time and get rather fed up
with being discriminated against because I am not medically trained in
any way (definition of a Lay Counsellor for whoever was enquiring)
As far as  I know of no Australian trained breastfeeding counsellor that
has failed the exam and Australia has such "enviable breastfeeding
rates" (often heard from overseas breastfeeding advocates). This can
probably be attributed to those same Lay counsellors who have
experiences often beyond the hospital situation of the first few days
and weeks.
I have never thought myself any better that any other breastfeeding
counsellor and have never understood the reactions of some "health
Professionals" to lay counsellors. As far as I am concerned I am part of
a health care team with the same aims (to assist the breastfeeding
mother and her infant acheive a mutual breastfeeding relationship) and
expect the same consideration that they (HP)do.
I have learnt more since I sat the exam that I did befoe and hope to
continue to learn. That's what life is all about. This is just a basic
breastfeeding exam to ensure we all  have a basic level of knowledge.
Good luck all who are about to sit.
REgards
]Jackie Cesnik IBCLC
NMAA Breastfeeding Counsellor
Mount Buller "Victoria's Premier Skiing Mountain"
Waiting for the snow to fall