While I agree that the in-fighting is a pain in the butt I Have to say this
(bluntly I might add):

The issue as I see it is that this discussion absolutely necessary as there
are too many out there stating that CLE, CLC, and IBCLC are the same damn
thing and they are NOT.  Period.  And it is NOT the IBCLC's who are saying
this.  Therefore the discussion really needs to be about how to properly and
concisely get that information out there to ALL - both professional and
consumer - in a manner that 1) makes it clear what each certification is all
about, SOP etc, and 2) presents the information in such a way that
individuals don't get their backs up and start ranting about all the crap
that is being ranted about which is why some are saying stop fighting.  <I'm
a CLE and I know more than the IBCLC in my neighborhood; I'm a CLC and I
clean up the messes from the IBCLC at the hospital - I'm better than her;
I'm an IBCLC and I am better than anyone else with a lesser certification.;
Because I'm not an IBCLC you are saying I don't know anything!  I'm a LLLL
whose been helping moms for free for years - you should do the same and I
know more than you.>    We all know this happens and we all agree (I hope!)
it is nonsense.

The problem is this:  People are taking things personally and that is
egotistical, selfish and unprofessional in my opinion.  This is NOT a
pissing contest!  This is simply different levels of lactation/breastfeeding
help.  That is all.  They are all valuable - they all have their place.  

And I don't think this has anything to do with formula companies unless they
are the ones starting all the nonsense - which I don't think they are.  We
need to be realistic about this people.  We have seen this coming for YEARS.
The number of certifications and confusion to the consumer as to what is
what and who does what and who knows what has been confounded by a simple
lack of consistent education to the public.  There have been a few blog
posts here and there that have tried to do this.  One of our own was REAMED
by the CLC, CLE, LLLL population for doing just this.  That's not cool.
That was a bunch of people taking very personally what was NOT meant as
such.  Again ego's got in the way and rather than listen to the message and
gain a full understanding of the levels of care...they got pissy and
downright mean.

It's all a bunch of drama as far as I am concerned, and what sucks the most
is that it is the consumer who pays the price.  It is imperative that
somehow, ALL of us in this field understand that there are different levels
of care, and to honor that, respect it, value it.  And to give each
credential its own 'show' and help the public understand the difference.

Jaye Simpson, CLC, IBCLC, CIIM, MoM
Breastfeeding Network
www.breastfeedingnetwork.net

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