Hi all
I am watching this discussion with some interest.  Some of your observations
seem very insightful.  First, let me say, I am not an IBCLC. My background
is in education (not biomedical science) and I work in the vocational
education and training sector.  I know that you cannot assess a practical
skill with a knowledge-based test.
I have been considering taking the exam and I am now reconsidering.
Some of you have suggested that this new Scope may be part of a move by the
board to exclude candidates who do don't come with a biological (biomedical
really) sciences background.  I think that you may have touched on at least
part of the answer.  A couple of years ago the board changed the pathways to
stipulate that candidates now have to demonstrate a 'background' in  Anatomy
and Physiology, Sociology, Psychology, Counselling or Communication Skills,
Child Development, Nutrition and Medical Terminology.  'Background' is
defined as four hours of instruction in each of those six areas.  This
effectively excludes anyone whose first degree (lets not even mention those
who don't have tertiary qualifications at all!!) is not in biomedical
science.
I wonder if the new Scope is the next step in aligning the profession with
western medicine by excluding non-medically trained candidates.  Perhaps it
stems from a perception that LCs will never gain the respect of the medical
fraternity (in the USA) unless they join said fraternity.
To suggest that medical training makes a person more qualified to advise
mothers on their breastfeeding relationship is absurd, given that most docs
and nurses here have ZERO preservice training in breastfeeding management
and their in-service training is provided by formula companies.  Yet LCs
(and peer counsellors) have many, many hours of lactation specific education
and experience. (My local General Practitioner (=Family Physician) - who is
very BF friendly and even clips tongue ties - is not interested in taking
lactation management education because it does not make financial sense for
him to spend the time it takes to learn such skills when such a small
proportion of his patients are breastfeeding dyads at any one time.) 
Like you, I'd like to know what on earth the Board is thinking with this.
We have an Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine.  We don't need another one.
Nina Berry BA/Bed(Hons) Dip Arts(Phil)
Breastfeeding Counsellor
PhD Candidate - "Ethical Issues in the marketing of 'Toddler Milks'"

 

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