Cheryl, I wrote my post based on the concern with those who take a one week
course and have no intention of expanding their knowledge base of lactation.
And, the problem that is being created in hospitals who see having RNs take a
one week course as a more valuable cost effective solution than hiring more
IBCLCs.  We have discussed the problem at our local taskforce meetings.  The
training of these Lactation Counselors has not been beneficial at our
hospital.  The IBCLCs know it, the WIC breastfeeding coordinator knows it.
It's not effective and it's doing more harm than good in this hospital and
based on the private e-mails I have had today many IBCLCs share my concerns.

What you are doing is WONDERFUL and as it should be.  I think all those
working toward taking the IBCLC exam should be so fortunate as you to be able
to work with another IBCLC to get their clinical hours and broaden their scope
of experience.  I spent 18 months working with an IBCLC before sitting for the
exam after I had been an La Leche Leader for 18 years.  Those 18 months of
internship were so very valuable to me, I could never go back to telephone
help without seeing the dyad first.  I'm in favor of IBLCE requiring
supervised clinical hours as a requirement of eligibility to sit for the IBCLC
exam.

My intention was not to offend anyone who is helping mommies and babies.
Those Lactation Counselors who are on Lactnet are not the ones I'm concerned
with.  It's those who have no passion for breastfeeding and little time to do
a good job if they did have the desire to so.

Warmly,
Pat Lindsey, IBCLC
Pediatrics Plus Staff LC and Private Practice
Orlando, FL