Hi Judy in Israel - I hear what you're saying loud and clear!  You are
definitely working in hostile conditions, and the fact that you have come so
far and are doing so much to promote breastfeeding in such difficult
circumstances does you great credit.

As a "pioneer" in my country, (there are only 2 of us, and I was the first)
I am only too well aware of the constraints of becoming an LC on your own.
It would have been wonderful to have a mentor, to be able to do some sort of
residency, to know in any way at all that you're on the right track!  And
yes, it's expensive and difficult to get books and study materials and
*hard* to be so far away from all the action.  And probably the exchange
rate vs the US Dollar doesn't help either!  And yes, when I started there
was no Breastfeeding Task Force (now there is) and we still have no BF
pamphlets (we're working on them!) I like to think that having 2 LCs in the
country has helped our Min of Health's breastfeeding promotion efforts along
a bit!

But (I've said something similar before, and I'll say it again!) when you
are a new representative for a new profession in your country it's important
to be meticulous about the details.  Thus, I agree with Linda, that if a
mentoring or residency scheme is planned, it needs to be done extremely
professionally - with great care and attention to detail.  We need to be
able to withstand the very strictest scrutiny.  The medical profession is
nothing if not conservative and if we seek to be admitted into the ranks of
the health-care team we need to be seen to be working to the very highest
standards.

But take heart - each year it gets easier - even for those of us living in
far-flung places.  What I would have given for Lactnet when I was an
LLLLeader seeing EVERY single mother I possibly could, as often as I could,
in order to increase my contact hours.  What I would have given for even one
already-certified LC to learn from.  Now we have the chance to talk with
1100 lactation specialists!  The answer to a question is only a Lactnet
away.  When I had to re-sit the exam 5 years after originally certifying
because there was no way I could obtain enough CERPS from here (no
conferences, no workshops, no courses!) even organizing this was infinitely
easier because the IBLCE office were 5 years more experienced.  Obtaining
books was easier, knowing WHAT to obtain was easier.  It gets better because
of those brave souls who have had to struggle before US!  You will make it
easier for someone after you.

Personally I feel humbled by the enormous generosity and encouragement I've
received from many sources all over the world while I was studying for the
exam and since being an LC.   Yes, in many ways it IS hard to be far away
and working towards something on your own, but you may receive other kinds
of totally unexpected benefits simply because of this.  My best, best wishes

Pamela, Zimbabwe