Leadership in La Leche League is not for everyone - and those who want to
use this pathway need to be aware of the requirements.  Discussing them with
a local Leader and learning what they really do may be the best way to learn
them.  

I have known various moms who insisted they wanted to be Leaders - start the
process - and NOT be approved as Leaders.  Just because you WANT to be a
Leader - does not make you a Leader.  This is not the same as volunteering
at your child's school to bring cup-cakes.  A lot of knowledge and practice
is required.  It can be heartbreaking after working hard to become one, to
be rejected.  Usually it takes 6 - 9 months - but I've seen it take up to 2
years!  (Remember that those who are walking the Leader through the process
are also volunteers and can have time crunches in their own lives.)

This is NOT a short-cut - it requires commitment to the philosophy of La
Leche League - and many qualified for IBCLC may not fully accept the LLLI
philosophy. 

All that being said - I believe EVERY IBCLC should have attended a LLL
SERIES in her own area - and should do so at least every 5 years as their
certification is renewed.
...to stay aware of how many "normals" there are (people who never needed an
IBCLC) 
...to observe the later stages in breastfeeding (toddler nursing)AND 
...to keep in touch with the people who can be great support to mothers
after the one-on-one IBCLC visits. 

Group support is an excellent way to increase breastfeeding duration.  THAT
is evidence-based!

Jeanette Panchula
LLLL for 30 years
IBCLC for 20 years

California, USA

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