I worked for 7 years full time as a postpartum doula before getting board
certified 4 years ago. I don't get the benefit of seeing many unusual
medical conditions  but I have the advantage of being with the mother from
one breastfeeding session to the next as I am often at her home for several
hours. It has helped me gain much insight into situations and intuition
about the moms and babies. I don't earn as much as nurse LC's so I have
infinitely more difficulty paying for conferences and other sources of
CERPS; in fact I may not even be able to get enough to renew my first time,
which is causing me much grief. But I certainly feel I have been just as
helpful as I would have as a nurse, and have not had to deal with
unfortunate hospital policies and practices.
One needs to be self motivated to keep up with continued ed in a solitary
situation and without colleagues to exchange info and experiences with.
Vicky York, IBCLC, CPD
Postpartum Care Services
Portland, OR

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