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 :-)

-----Original Message-----
From: Lactation Information and Discussion
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Elizabeth Brooks
Sent: Wednesday, July 22, 2009 10:31 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [LACTNET] CAPPA Lactation Educator Program

Nicki -- congrats on deciding to take that "next step!"

If you are comfortable sharing with us, is there a reason you have decided
*not* to go for IBCLC?  I am curious to know how the IBCLC exam is
perceived, by those who don't have it, but clearly have a demonstrated
interest in breastfeeding promotion and management.
Thanks, and good luck in whatever endeavor you choose

--
Liz Brooks JD IBCLC
Wyndmoor, PA, USA

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