I feel those of us that have been practicing LCs in all settings, DO have the
responsibility to provide the opportunity for others to train with us.  We
still don't have schools that students can attend to get this experience
(except the Lactation Institute)  People are hungry for experience and many
have no way to get it, or to get an experience different from their
particular practice setting.(newborn nursery, clinic, support groups, etc.)
 Now that does not mean we should be taken advantage of or that we should
allow it to happen in a way that will hurt our reputation as some of you have
mentioned.  We need to take control and do this right.

I think we should develop "internship/trainee" programs that provide a
certain amount of time, a structured environment, and evaluation.  After all
students don't graduate from other professional schools until they do the
work, practice their skills satisfactorily under expert supervision, pass the
tests from their school - - -   THEN they sit for their boards.

Our profession is still the only one I know of that allows people to
accumulate practice hours with NO SUPERVISION and count that toward their
requirements for certification.  I'm sorry but I know of some IBCLC's that
cannot latch a baby on correctly, and are lost in the most basic of
situations.  One called me in a panic when her 1st grandchild wouldn't latch
on.  She had NEVER actually done any alternative feeding methods, yet she
passed the exam. (Lots of people are great test takers)  I've met people at
seminars where I was teaching who come up to me and say, "Do you mean
breastfed babies don't need water bottles??  By the way I am sitting for the
boards this summer."  So this individual had the required hours, BUT they
were hours counseling badly with incorrect information.  Our educational
hours need to come before as well as during our clinically SUPERVISED hours.

I have had people who want to come and learn from me, and I have allowed it
to happen from time to time, but plan to begin a more structured approach
that will benefit both the trainee and me.  After all it took me years of
 blood, sweat, and tears to get to where I am today, and some people do want
to come and observe for a day and expect this to be so simple they will learn
almost everything they need to know in that amount of time.
We all deserve to be compensated for this type of teaching and should ask at
least the going rate of $80 to $120 per 8 hrs of instruction/observation
time. (I'm open to comments--please about any of this)

I would also like to know from the lawyers on the list (I know Liz Baldwin
and other are out there) if I/we can include a "non-compete" clause in the
agreement.  I know you can put them in employee agreements, but since the
trainee would be paying for their "schooling" with us can we include one
here.  That way someone we train cannot open up a similar type practice
within a certain distance for a certain number of years.  I'm working on an
agreement that the intern/trainee signs stating the purpose of the training,
that she will be observing only with the mother's permission and mine and
agrees to leave willingly if the mother or I decide it is not
appropriate.(rare, but might happen with a very upset or private mom)  I'm
also working on lessons, reading, care plans to write, drugs to research and
evaluate, etc. so there will be plenty to do in addition to the observation.

I like what the person said from Australia, that their programs were at least
6 weeks long.  That sounds good for a beginning program.  I also want to
offer CERPs.
Comments please.
Jane Bradshaw RN, BSN, IBCLC
Lynchburg, VA