Because I've had 10 million college kids (ok, so it's a slight
exaggeration), hogging my computer so they could finish term papers, and
unimportant stuff like that, I've been sneaking on to get my mail at odd
moments, but haven't been able to respond.  Now I know how a dog on a leash
feels!

BF Classes:  I've appreciated the input in response to my original post.  I,
too, always pointed out the inequitable time spent on cb class vs bf class to
students.
(Does anyone else feel like we should scrap the whole maternity system and
start again, doing it right, this time?)   Jan B., experiences like your
recent bf class are what burned me out in 4 years of teaching BF classes, vs
20 yrs of LLL mtgs.  I don't quite know what the problem is.  Bf class is
voluntary, as are LLL mtgs, (in my case, I was 'leader' for both, so know
info is essentially the same, although obviously, format is different), I
tried to use Adult learning theories, etc, but when you've got a group of
people just sitting there staring at you, you kind of wonder why you are
there, much less why they are.  I eventually dropped having a section of
class set aside for advantages, because we got so many complaints that I was
too pushy, 'politicalizing' the issue, etc.  I switched to interweaving
advantages throughout the class as they would fit appropriately.

Hair Loss: My PA husband confirmed that hair loss is hormonally related after
childbirth.  He said that he see's this sooner in non-bf moms, at a later
time with many bf moms, and said it usually takes 3-6 mos to settle down.
 However, hair loss was one of the symptoms that I experienced due to low
thyroid output at 6 mos postpartum.  When I mentioned it, my MD tried to
assuage my complaints of something being wrong, with it's just because you
are postpartum.  I insisted on lab tests anyway, and he was a bit sheepish
when he gave me the results.  So, LC's should become familiar with other
symptoms of Hypothyroid, so they can refer moms to MD's if necessary.   There
are quite a number of things, maybe some of our Lactnet MD's could give a
more complete list.  Along with hair loss, some symptoms include: dry skin,
getting cold easy, constipation, if lactating - possible low milk supply
(this was never a problem for me), depression.  (If mom is taking a morning
basal temp, and it's really low, that too can be a symptom.  My basal temp
had always run 96.8 - give or take a few degrees)

Lactation Assistants:  I like the thought of 'graduate' LC's going through an
internship to get their hours for IBCLC.  I applaud the teaching
organizations who don't 'certify' their graduates, but encourage them to sit
for the Board Exam.  I don't think we need another name muddying up the
lactation world.  We already have IBCLC's, CLC's, CLE's, LLLL's, lactation
specialist's (whatever that is!), etc.  I think what we do need are clearer
definitions, boundaries that are agreed upon on a national or international
basis.
     I know some well know lactation teaching organization that clearly
delineates the role of thelLactation educator and lactation consultant.  They
define LLLL's as lactation educators, and use what LLLL's do to illustrate
that role. Educating, encouraging, supporting, providing information, but not
doing anything invasive, no 'hands on', except for helping with positioning &
LO.  Where as the LC does all of that and more, actually intervening if
necessary (doing digital suck exams, etc), working with mom's & babe's that
have been screened or identified as at risk, by an LE or LLLL.  In my area,
this is sort of where I have ended up, I get some self referrals, but usually
my clients have been referred by an LLLL, LE, MD, etc, because they've done
all they know how to do and there is still a problem.  To me, it seems odd
when I see someone list CLE, CLC., or CLE., IBCLC, because to my way of
thinking a Lactation Consultant incorporates everything an LE would do, so,
it's redundant.  Please, I mean no offense to anyone, just sharing my own
thoughts.

Kathe Catone, IBCLC, LLLL, etc.  (By the way, I rarely use IBCLC & LLLL
simultaneously.  If I'm doing League work, I'm an LLLL.  If I'm working in my
role as an LC, I don't hide my LLL connections, but I don't usually bring it
up immediately either.  This is my way of not 'mixing causes', and keeping my
vocation and my avocation separate.)