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Subject:
From:
Barbara Ash <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Mon, 15 Aug 2005 22:02:38 EDT
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Friends,

I displayed a bit of cultural insensitivity in using the AA terminology, but 
thankfully several of you explained the term.  My apologies.

But in the process, another important issue was raised.  As an international 
credential, everything is so complicated.  Language requirements, teaching 
methods, certification vs. licensing laws, educational systems, etc.  Trying to 
standardize the world would be an impossible task.

It is difficult for American IBCLCs to look at the world of lactation 
internationally.  The vast majority of IBCLCs are American, Canadian, or Australian.  
Many of our colleagues outside the US believe that ILCA is essentially an 
American organization.  That issue is being addressed (I'm co-chair of the task 
force.)  But in the meantime, those of you outside the US need to take some 
responsibility too.  Don't just complain about the way things are, be specific 
about how IBLCE and ILCA can improve your professional standing.  If it is 
financially impossible to join as an individual, form an affiliate and join that 
way.  It is less expensive, and you get a copy of the JHL too.

The IBLCE has country coordinators for each country in which there are a 
significant number of IBCLCs, and regional offices which cover countries with just 
a few.  Perhaps they should be involved in making suggestions on how to 
improve and make the system more fair.  I believe there can be realistic, valid 
training programs in almost all countries, just as almost all countries have been 
able to establish at least rudimentary primary education systems, high 
schools, and even colleges and medical schools.  The American way to discern the 
number of hours required isn't necessarily the only way.

The issue of a mentorship, or practical experience, though, is a challenging 
one.  To my knowledge, all health care professionals require this as part of 
their training.  Brainstorming this issue will help.  But we may in the end, 
also have to recognize that because our profession is only 20 years old, it is 
simply not developed enough to expand as quickly as some might wish.  

In the meantime, even another issue was raised, something else that concerned 
me while working at IBLCE.  That was the issue of marketing, something I 
believe both IBLCE and ILCA should be deeply involved in.  There are many 
opportunities to educate hospital administrators and nursing organizations through 
their professional associations on our credential, the differences between it and 
the other breastfeeding 'credentials' and why they should care (i.e., patient 
satisfaction, liability, etc.)  But without the staff and funds to do it, it 
won't happen. IBCLCs and those who hope to become IBCLCs must join ILCA.  I 
don't know the exact numbers, but only about 20% of IBCLCs are ILCA members. 
Non-IBCLCs can join too.  Let them know what you want, what your concerns are.  
Offer suggestions for how to change things.  Volunteer to help.  Re IBLCE: 
Don't gripe about the cost of the exam.  Other professions our size pay twice the 
fees.  The exam fees support about 90% of IBLCE's operation al expenses (the 
other 10% coming from CERP fees.)  With that kind of money, you really can't 
expect much other than producing an exam.

We are the second generation of the trailblazers, and it worries me greatly 
that these critical issues for our profession are not being adequately 
addressed.  I am so glad to see that this topic has generated some interest.  We need 
to get moving, because if you remain stagnant, you die.  This is a business.  
It's time we started treating it that way.

Barbara

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