Re:  Carol's concerns about how to access items that need to be in the LC
bag, like shields or habermans.  Perhaps you can keep a retail account open
but only use it for a few items and order a bunch all at once and then not
order again until your stores are depleted. Or work out an arrangement with
a supplier who provides good service and fair prices to order  items for you
at cost in return for referrals.

  Alison Hazelbaker was my listening post as I agonized about whether to
divest myself of my rental depot.  She told me that I'd find that as I
eliminated pumps, my time and energy would be freed up to work on the stuff
I really valued, and that I'd be surprised to find that I would begin to
make up the difference in other work.  That has indeed happened.  Now I
don't expect anyone to do anything other than what is right for them in
their own situation with regards to selling or not selling.  I know that
some LCs have discovered that they really love the retail end, and have
established wonderful little stores where mothers get good help and service.
Some of these LCs have told me that the money is better and the hassle is
less and they may just give up the LC work and keep the retail.  I just feel
that all LCs must be aware that we have a Code of Ethics, Standards of
Practice, and that we subscribe to the WHO Code.  Everyone needs to know
what these documents say about products and to remember that the IBCLC
certification is a contract that requires adherence to these practice
parameters.

And I am delighted to see discussions like this because we are still trying
to figure out what our profession is going to look like as we evolve into
maturity.  We need to have frank dialog about this issue and maybe work
toward consensus on what is best, always remembering that we serve the
mother and the baby first.
Barbara Wilson-Clay BSEd, IBCLC
Austin Lactation Associates
http://www.lactnews.com

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