Dear Lactnetters:

Finally got through my pile of posts and have a synthesis of many
threads...

It sounds like the biggest issue on the 'hours' to be eligible to sit
for the exam is if those hours were really with breastfeeding, if the
LC-to-be really has that clinical experience, and if it is truly broad
enough to meet all of the areas in the exam blueprint.  I have heard
many stories of LC-to-be with good clin. experience with newborns, but
really inept when it comes to the older baby, legal issues, etc. -- the
broader scope of breastfeeding.

I agree with Linda Smith's statements that LCs must be broad based and
in many cases generalists.  LLL background is great for this because it
works with so many contexts, not just a 'work/employment' based context
or a 'just my personal experience' context that so many LC-to-be may be
in (not meaning to devalue the importance of these contexts, btw).  WIC
staff background/context may be good, too.

However, it is not always feasible for every LC to be everything to
everybody.  That's why we REFER -- to docs, to other LCs, to other
health care professionals.  But we need to KNOW what these others have
to offer, so we can make appropriate referrals.  I think that bf
professional organizations are really important for this -- support
groups for the LCs and sources of info through newsletters and CERP
presentations to help LCs not only get basic technique but also learn
the broader scope.

Given this need for breadth beyond just the medical, I'd say my favorite
text for preparing for the exam in LACTNET!.  It provides far more depth
and breadth than any one book, yet makes appropriate referrals to these
texts for specifics.  It also has fairly up-to-date info, which cannot
be achieved with any printed reference (lag time due to writing, editing
and publication).  Finally, you don't find many jokes in Lawrence or
Riordan/Auerbach...

Thanks for everyone's hard, thoughtful work!

--Doraine Bailey
Lexington, KY

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