I sympathise with Kim and with all aspiring LC's who are having difficulty
obtaining the required number of hours to sit for the exam. I once was in
your shoes. I do not beleive IBLCE should change their criterias, but I do
feel that there are many ways in which you might obtain more experience
hours. One of the ways I chose was to be a PL for LLL. This job usually
requires two times the amount of work of a Leader.

I did not become a PL because I wanted to be an LC. I became an LC because I
found an increasing interest the more I became knowledgeable in the field.
But it did help me in many ways. Going back to school (college), even part
time, is another way of reducing the number of hours you need.

The IBLCE certification is not an entry level exam. It is much more
complicated then you might think. It does not only measure your knowledge,
but also your experience and your judgement.

Although I DO understand your impatience(because I have been there), I now
know that the profession of Lactation Consultant needs to be respected and
to grow as a certifiable profession.
Dany Gauthier IBCLC
[log in to unmask]
Montreal, Canada
Tel: 514-923-3792
Fax:514-923-3802