Naomi asks:

"I am not at IBCLC either, and I wonder, do LCs specialize. Do most
communities have enough LCs that they can afford to specialize?"

I am from a large metropolitan area (Milwaukee and surrounding-not that
far from Madison, the second largest metro area in the state).  LC's
know each other through our affiliate and through local coalitions.
Some work in hospitals, some in private practice, some in WIC and some
as LLLLs also.  Through our contacts we learn that one is great with
thrush, one is more experienced with multiples, another with GER, some
work more with NICU, etc. etc. etc.  While that doesn't make any of us
"specialists" at this point, we are able to call on each other as
resources either for suggestions in dealing with a case where we don't
have a lot of experience or to refer a mom to them.  We've also been
known to "pick each other's brains" (not unlike what happens on LN) when
stumped-not because of any special expertise, but just to get another
viewpoint.

So to answer the question-we don't have an excess of LCs (openings
actually occur that aren't snatched up immediately), and we aren't
exactly specialists, but our experience and scope of practice is varied.

Winnie

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