Hi Meredith,  why would you think furthering your education in lactation would be a mistake? 

But, in case you are interested, here is a long boring comparison for you.

 I too am working on acquiring my IBCLC and am currently a CLE (educator). There is of course MUCH debate on the different certifications, but honestly this argument is certainly not unique and is seen in every corner of health - world!

Besides my IBCLC work,  I am also working on my CHES which is a requirement for my specialty within my master's degree in public health ( certified health education specialist- but I am already certified as a childbirth educator and lactation educator...do I REALLY need more?) and then I also may have to sit for the CPH (certificate in public health) of which the AMA is appalled! They say it will create consumer confusion that we CPH's are doctors because it is a "board certification". Sounds all too familiar of an argument ,,,

And the CPH which is given by the National Board of Public Health Examiners , but the Public Health Practitioner Certification Board (PHPCB)  offers a certification which more fits my speciality...but my department at my university prefers those of us about to graduate take the CHES.... But, the National Board has gotten set as the official test/certification of schools of public health, which is making the AMA mad......soooooooo......

........you get the picture...there are a zillion groups which certifiy individuals in just about everything.   Unless the practice is also some type of speciality recognized by licensure then certifications are just that and it is totally buyer beware! For the record though, the CLC is a great course. 


All the best, and good luck!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mirine R. Dye BS, CLE
MPH candidate
Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition
www.KeysHealthyStart.org 

 

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