In a message dated 96-12-29 19:55:50 EST, you write:

<< The IBLCE is requiring a minimum of 2500 (for a
 bachelor's degree) unsupervised hours in breastfeeding management alone to
 sit for an exam that is only on breastfeeding.  Would it not be better
 perhaps, if the number of hours was reduced, but the requirements were made
 more stringent, such as x number of hours or experiences working with
mothers
 and babies from birth to 2 days; x numbers from 2 days to 2 weeks, x number
 of babies with suckling difficulties, x number with low weight gain, etc.
  That would spread the experiences around, so that someone couldn't garner
 their 2500 hours solely by working in L&D and helping mothers with initial
 latch on and first bf, and never seeing a baby who is an FTT at 3 months?
 Or
 working with a premie?  Or a mom who is severely engorged????? >>

Hi All,
As someone who is working toward her IBCLC I really find all this talk
fascinating!  I Really like Jan's idea here of more specific areas of "hour
counting" to provide for more well rounded education in the field of
lactation.
In my job as a crisis counselor for WIC, the moms and babes I work with are
in one of a few categories: Premies, FTT, low milk, badly damaged nips that
require healing before putting baby back to breast, and meds (P&D).  Only
occasionally do I have any moms who have problems with older babies.
 Therefore most of my work is with the newborn and very little with the older
baby/toddler.  When a mom calls me for advice on an older baby problem, out
come the books, or a referral to one of oour other PCs who has a lot of
knowledge with older kids BF.  I simply feel inadequate in that area, and
here I am a CLE!  So imagine an IBCLC in my position.  I think it is
important that we all have experience of some type (not just BF our own
toddlers for the info) in the different age ranges, and in the different
crisis areas.  Give me a mom with a premie, and I am fine.  A mom with a
toddler....forget it.
Basic info is great, but it is basic info.  Books are great, but they aren't
hands on learning.
Just my .02 when I should be getting ready for my midwife visit.  Just can't
stay away from Lactnet!

Jay