LACTNET Archives

Lactation Information and Discussion

LACTNET@COMMUNITY.LSOFT.COM

Options: Use Forum View

Use Monospaced Font
Show Text Part by Default
Show All Mail Headers

Message: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]
Topic: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]
Author: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]

Print Reply
Subject:
From:
Eric/Leslie <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Wed, 15 Nov 1995 23:12:11 -0700
Content-Type:
text/plain
Parts/Attachments:
text/plain (39 lines)
Barbara has made some very good points about being asked for advice, to
train people for the exam, etc. Personally, I think it's very smart of Chele
Marmet to charge LCs who call for help--she is a pioneer, has developed a
huge amount of knowledge and expertise, and because she's well-known, could
easily be on the phone with rookie (and not-so-rookie) LCs from all over the
world all day, everyday. If that happens, she at least should earn something
from it.

I am not willing to work with people extensively to train them for the exam,
for example, because my time is valuable. When I got a few inquiries about
preparing for the exam, I put on a course, through the local college--30
hours over 10 weeks. I didn't bill it as exam prep but it would certainly
have been helpful to anyone starting on the road to the exam.  It was a
great experience, I got to know many of the public health nurses from around
here (because they were the ones who signed up), and we may get an
breastfeeding interest group started as a result. I didn't resent the time I
was spending because I was getting paid, and the people who paid knew they
could expect a quality course. When I don't pay someone for their
professional service, I feel like I'm imposing and tend to spend much less
time with them. I'd rather pay for a proper consultation (like the fitness
person I worked with today who is also a friend--I insisted on paying) and
know I'm not "using" someone.

On the other hand, I do a lot of freebie phone help with the local public
health nurses and I don't mind that a bit. If it became a situation where I
was on the phone for hours a day with them, I'd need to look at handling it
differently, but it's not like that yet.

I'm probably like most of the rest of you and do a LOT of volunteer work. I
don't care to do it in my chosen field, unless it's for board or committee
work where I'm working with colleagues to promote the profession. I'm trying
to earn a living at this (next to impossible...) and I need to choose where
to volunteer my time!

OK, off my soapbox and off to swimming.
Leslie Ayre-Jaschke, BEd, IBCLC
Peace River Breastfeeding Clinic
Peace River Alberta, Canada

ATOM RSS1 RSS2