Barbara, 

Thanks for your excellent post and point of view - I cannot agree more with
your statements - especially those of the importance of professional
responsibility and reaching out to those with knowledge outside our
profession by the ILCA and IBLCE organizations.

My experience in the ILCA Board taught me that I didn't have the expertise
to be on it - even though I have the knowledge to be an IBCLC!  It was a
similar "Ah-HA" that I got when I attended a meeting in Puerto Rico that
included not only IBCLCs, Nurses, and Dietitians, but also a mom who was a
specialist in Marketing!  WOW did SHE give us knowledge, expertise and a
totally new viewpoint that we NEEDED TO HEAR!  

One of the biggest barriers I find in Breastfeeding Coalitions and Task
Forces is the inclusion of "Only" the lactation-minded folks - we need to
hear from business, advertising, government, hospital administration,
nursing supervisors, quality assurance, facilities, etc.  Every time I hear
from "other" folks at Conferences I come back with some great ideas and
inspiration I had never thought of...my mind is too "La Leche League/IBCLC"

Whenever a group ONLY talks to each other, it gets stagnant...and limited.
Similar to a child that grows up in a very controlled environment, only
being exposed to ONE language, culture, religion and viewpoint.  Even
Lactnet is limited - those of us who read the posts regularly are REALLY
PASSIONATE ... but may not "get" the whole picture of the IBCLC.  I work
with MANY who have never seen Lactnet, go about their business and are very
excellent, successful IBCLCs without either ILCA or awareness of what WE
perceive as a "crisis".  

I'm so sorry for those who are feeling this is a gut-wrenching issue (the
SOPs) when I believe the majority have never even HEARD of it - and continue
doing what they've always done.
* some have ALWAYS been willing to risk (and we should all know it IS a
risk) of speaking contrary to the MDs recommendations, 
* others have learned how to phrase their information so that they can
"disagree without being disagreeable" 

It's funny, but it reminds me of a statement that my husband often makes: If
you want freedom of speech - you also have to accept the consequences of
that speech!  

At times what I say makes me sound "passionate" at other times "stubborn"
and other times "abrasive".  I have the power (most of the time) to set the
tone - and usually, when I have my wits about me, I can get the information
through to the mother or the health care professionals with whom I
collaborate without negative consequences to me...or to my message.  And
frankly, THAT is the important thing - is the MESSAGE being heard?

Again, Barbara, PLEASE keep on sharing your ideas and expertise!

Jeanette Panchula, BSW, RN, PHN, IBCLC
California, USA

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