I persued certification for the first time back in1986. At that time passing the
IBLCE examination conferred *entry* level certification (it still affords just
that *entry* level competence) - even after 10 years I don't think of my self as
an *expert*. I thought then, and still do today, that quanitifying my entry
level skills and knowledge was a base minimum for giving suggestion and
recommendation to breastfeeding mothers. In earning and maintaining this
certification, I feel that I show a financial, personal and professional
commitment to excellence in the field - again something I consider a basic for
myself as a lactation consultant. Possibly this line of questioning might help
clarify things: would you practice nursing without formal education proven by
passing a nursing board exam, even if there were no legislation requiring such?.
Probably not because so much is on the line when one deals with the health care
of people. Though having to discontinue breastfeeding is not usually fatal,
breastfeeding is important enough to merit my commitment to being educated to
the point of certification. So much for my strongly felt 2 cents!

Jeanine Klaus, MS, IBCLC
Oakville, Ontario