I wanted to say "Thank you!" from a lurker who has learned a great deal from your interactions. I am continually impressed with the way you relate, encourage, and share alternate perspectives with respect and consideration for one another. From the moment I decided to pursue a LC career, I have been won over by the professionalism and passion in the LC community (online and locally). 

I wanted to share part of my journey with you... I was working towards my Bachelor's degree in child development with the end goal of becoming an IBCLC. After weighing my options, I decided to start over and begin nursing school. As a 25 year-old newlywed (who hopes to have children and own a home one day) I DID make that decision because it could offer more job opportunities- and it makes more sense financially. I loved the idea of earning my Bachelor's degree and becoming a LC, but I would be faced with limited opportunities and years of school to pay off. Becoming a RN will allow me to be more mobile, save money, and approach job opportunities with greater confidence that I won't be turned away because of my schooling. If this is what I have to do to be there for mamas, it is undoubtedly worth it.

My background in child development and psychology will always contribute to my professional future as a lactation consultant. However, I don't think that I am sacrificing something by going the RN route. However individuals come into this profession/lifestyle, we ultimately make the decision how we practice and relate to mothers and one another. I'm not sure what we can do about the guidelines and obstacles we face, but we can look at the bigger picture on a practical (and hopeful) level.

With respect and admiration,

Emily Hawkins
CLEC student
Central Coast, California

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