This is a terrible story and I am afraid one that is being repeated in many
places in the USA. I am sad that breastfeeding seems to be on the losing end
every time.

I am torn between two answers - The lack of public demand for quality
breastfeeding services and a majority of parents feeling ok about formula
feeding. My other side says that until we are a profession with set
schooling (like doctors, like nurses) and perhaps an internship under
supervision so that all IBCLCs graduate with excellant consultancy skills,
we will continue to be under valued by the general public and the medical
profession.

What can you do? I would do some advertising for yourself where you promote
how long you have been doing this work and your following our ethics and
professional standards. I would promote how you do test weighing, written
care plans, give hand outs, do breast and mouth assessments, medical
receipts, report for HCP, and FOLLOW UP! I doubt she is doing any of these
things. I would promote this by going to pedi and ob offices with a brief
flier stating your services and what you offer (meaning our professional
standards). Perhaps you might even want to institute a money back guarantee
if the mom isn't satisfied with your help, which would show that you have
confidence in your skills.

Frankly, a similiar situation seems to have lowered the physician and parent
value of IBCLC services in my area. One of the fall-outs was moms thinking
they were getting professional "LC" help and the person is not able to solve
the problem, so then they are not willing to pay for an experienced and
excellant IBCLC who can solve the problem and affect positive change.

Kathy A. Eng, BSW, IBCLC

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