Congratulations to *all* of us either gaining or retaining those
wonderful initials.  I was intrigued by the differences in taking
decade-apart exams.

The first time around, I really didn't know whether I'd passed, and spent
that first evening nearly catatonic.  This time, I knew I'd passed because I
*knew* the questions I knew, and understood much better the rationales
behind the questions.  (Still, the envelope was a relief.  Moment of fear:
is it thick because they're sending me the registration booklet for next
year??)

The first time, I wrote maybe one or two "yes but's" on the comment sheet.
This time, I filled both sides.  A much deeper, more comfortable knowledge
base to draw from, even though...

The first time, I studied by reading "everything", which probably really was
the bulk of the breastfeeding literature.  This time, it would have been
impossible to read "everything"; there's just too much good stuff out there,
in too many journals representing too many disciplines.  So this time I
prepared mostly with non-functional obsessing.  And sure enough, I suspect
the exam can't be passed by a beginner who hasn't studied... and needn't be
studied for by the active practitioner who has made a point of keeping up
with the field.  Just the way it should be.  Well done, IBLCE!  AMA, take a
lesson.

Both times I was impressed by how well written the exam was.  But this time
I realized how much of what we do is *not* research-based and thus can't be
on the exam.  There's work to be done!

And, of course, 10 years ago the room lighting didn't matter to me and I
wasn't concerned that I might need a bathroom break.  Sigh.

Diane Wiessinger, MS, IBCLC LLLL  Ithaca, NY

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