I am also interested in comments related to the very large variation in
skill level of IBCLCs.  I wonder if the issue is related to the variation
in experience levels of those sitting for the exam.

I notice that some folks preparing for the exam carefully plan as much
supervised clinical time as they can find and that others consider being in
the room with a mother and infant to count as clinical experience.  It is a
bit scary to me.

The nebulous definition/requirements for lactation experience is not at all
helpful to our profession.  What can we do to change this?  Such a change
will help the profession as well as our breastfeeding mothers who need us.

Pardee Hinson, MPH, IBCLC
Manager, Carolinas Lactation Center
Charlotte, NC