Becky,

 

I'm so sorry you've had such a hard time with CLC's  - and I can see how
frustrating it would be to have to deal with the train wrecks.  

 

I have no idea what steps you took to try to work/help them to develop a
team approach in your community.  I know with some people that is not
possible - they insist they know what they know (and this can also be the
case with IBCLCs who recert by cerps, retest but never truly never adopt new
information!).

 

I'm also sorry to lose your voice among the IBCLCs by choosing not to renew
even though you could.  This is a time when voices like yours need to be
heard - by the IBLCE as well as ILCA and Lactnet - so that issues can be
brought to light and solutions be developed.

 

I have to admit that in my experience as an IBCLC I've not had to deal with
this issue, whether in St. Louis, Puerto Rico or California.  I've
participated in coalitions (I did not create them, they existed when I moved
there) that were very inclusive - La Leche League, nurses, CLC, CLE, etc.
working for hospitals, clinics, WIC, etc.  We learned what each was good at
- try to identify the problems and develop ways to improve the mother's
care.  

 

That does not mean it is perfect, we are still working hard at trying to
develop ways to care for mothers for late in the day and weekend issues as
well as special situations such as tongue tie (our moms have to travel to
other counties, unless they are Kaiser). 

 

So again, I'm sorry your experience has been so frustrating that you're
ready for a break!  I hope you will reconsider your retirement.  

 

I also am "retired" from full time employment, but am keeping the IBCLC
until I find I can no longer keep up with the changes/information.  So far,
I've loved the challenge and being able to help mothers when other agencies
are not available to them in our area (like last weekend at 9 pm) and to
present to health care providers, as I did yesterday, that even at 66 you
CAN "teach an old dog new tricks" which I hope will then encourage them to
think "if she can do it - I can do it - I'm much younger!"..

 

Jeanette Panchula, BA-SW, RN, PHN, IBCLC

 


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