>  I *do* strongly feel that such a 2 day bfing
>course is an excellent idea for CBE's - to augment their CB classes, help
>them weave wonderful bfing info throughout their series!  BUT to use this
>course as a springboard to calling oneself an "LC" is obviously not prudent
>for all the reasons already mentioned.

I agree. I just met someone yesterday whom I had heard was a "lactation
specialist".  What I discovered is that she is an almost-RN and a
professional labor supporter. I was very impressed with her in what she
does, and I certainly feel that basic hands on latch stuff is well within
her realm--- no need for me/us to be territorial here!  I only wish that
she didn't use the term "lactation specialist", which is what ICEA is
promoting for their weekend class, because they aren't!  This person
readily admitted to me that she does basic positioning but refers all
other problems out to LCs.  So we have people who have taken two day
courses, one week courses, etc. all calling themselves lactation
specialists.  Some of these people are going to be much more qualified
than others, but how will the consumer know?  And then many people may
assume that specialist=LC, etc. etc.  I'm not comfortable with this state
of affairs, and I think we desperately need some official delineation of
terms and regulation of their usage.

-Lisa Marasco, BA, IBCLC