Hi All,
I know this subject is being beaten to death, but I had to put in my .02
(like always, huh?). :)
I have enough book knowledge, and knowledge learned from Lactnet that,
according to my mentors, I could take and pass the IBCLC exam.  Now, I don't
know that for sure, but would certainly like to think I could! ;)  One big
problem, I have no hands on experience (I am a great verbal counselor tho!),
and don't have the childcare neccessary to sit in on consults with my
mentors nor is my youngest ready to leave me for more than an hour or so at
a time.  Since he is not yet ready to leave me, and he is an active, noisy,
happy, delightful 1 yr old (as of the 27th Happy B-Day PJ!) it is impossible
for me to attend conferences and seminars.  I, too, want to hear all I paid
to hear, I am there to learn.  I do not want to be distracted by my noisy
child or anyone elses noisy child (no matter how cute they are!) as when I
am distracted I lose information and I want to retain as much as I can.  So
what am I to do?  Wait.  THat's right.  Wait.  I wait until PJ is old enough
for me to go to the seminars and conferences I need to go to and I don't
worry about it.  My kids have to come first.  I look at my priorities in
life, and tho I love this field so much, the IBCLC will always be there and
there will always be conferences to go to.  I envy those moms who can do it
all and keep their babies quiet and learn while caring for them, but for me,
I need to be able to concentrate.  Meanwhile, I read Lactnet (and throw in
my opinions), read any books that I can (or that the kids will let me...)
and counsel moms to the best o fmy ability.
When it comes to conferences, I think the bottom line is be baby friendly,
but the parents need to be courteous and respectful of the other conference
goers.  Goodness knows I missed out on several minutes of Dr Newmans short
seminar when he was here in Sacramento last year.  PJ was barely 6 wks old,
Jack was in town, I HAD to go.  But I sat in the back, and any peep...I was
gone.  (And by in the back, I mean literally outside the door!)
ANyway, just my thoughts, and now PJ needs momma...I love being needed!
Jay
Jay Simpson, CLE
Sacramento, CA
"No Miracles performed here, just a lot of love and hard work."
ICQ#4681696