Hello Lactnetters,
First, let me say how much this wonderful list has helped me in my 
practice and knowledge base.  I am a new IBCLC without a medical 
background.  I am one of only 2 IBCLC's in my county of Western PA that I 
am familiar with.  The other LC works for the competing hospital, so while 
we are on good terms we could not be truly collaberativeon a regular 
basis.  This list has allowed me access to a world of knowledge.  Thank 
you!
I wanted to comment today on the subject of lower credentials, 
frenotomies, and professional respect.  My formal esucation is as a soxial 
worker.  My text books are not in front of me, but no matter.  We learned 
in social work school about the history of the profession. It began out of 
the movement of "friendly visitors" of the early 20th century.  These were 
essentially wealthy church women in US cities who did home visits to poor 
immigrant homes to assess and support the nutrition, health and education 
of the women and children in these homes.  The friendly visitors had no 
formal education, nor were they paid.  The next evolution of the social 
worker was that of the "settlement houses"  Again community access to 
social networks... I believe these female workers were paid, but without a 
formal degree, or  cohesive umbrella of education.....fast forward 100 
years (don't panic, I'm not suggesting it will take that long.)  The basic 
level if education for  a social worker is the BSW... most states in the 
USA licence social workers at he MSW level.  Universities have departments 
of social work staffed by DWS/PHd's.  Professional social workers are 
recognized and valued members of the healthcare, legal, mental health 
community.  I am sure that many of you from "new" professions, I'm 
thinking Occupational Therapy, Nurtition, Exercise physiologist could 
speak to this as well.  I'm sure many of you nurses had to study the 
history of nursing as a profession.  Clearly the role of a nurse (NP,nurse 
midwfe) has evolved, and the credentials needed to call oneself a "nurse" 
have changed.
Change can be  can be frustrating and slow.  We may question the course of 
the evolution, but keep up the good work.  I have no doubt that our 
grandchildren will see lactation consultant as a formal educational path 
available to them.
Laurie  and 6 mo old Kiki who is NAK ( nursing at keyboard)

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