Amy Peterson, I think you were right on! 
 "When you wrote, "I don't care if a CLC inflates her certification (something I don't do) as long as she is helping the mothers she works with," I chuckled.  I give more accurate information on a variety of topics than one of our local doctors, so can I call myself a doctor?  I give way better information about breastfeeding and its effect on baby teeth than one of our local pediatric dentists, so can I call myself a dentist?  It's unethical and sometimes illegal to inflate credentials.  *That* is what this conversation is about in my mind." 
That's exactly what this conversation is about!  When a doula writes, "I have 50 hours of lactation education and 7 years of helping moms as a doula--I should know how to support breastfeeding."  That's a problem.  And that is exactly what is happening in my neck of the woods.  Inflation!  It's everywhere.
And Nancy, I don't understand the point you are trying to make in your last post.
Renee   
Renee Beebe, M.Ed., IBCLC 
Lactation Consultant/Postpartum Doula 
(206) 356-7252 
www.second9months.comwww.facebook.com/thesecond9months.


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