Hello!  I must formally introduce myself as I have forgotten to do so.  My
name is Melissa and I live in Central PA.  I have an extremely wonderful
husband and have four children: Jimmy 6, Michael 4, Matthew 3 and Jennie who
is 16 months old.  I am a current student of BSC and I hope to finish the
course by August of this year.  I have a small business related to
breastfeeding (pumps,clothing, slings, etc.).  I have 3.5 years of a Child
Psych. degree from University of Pittsburgh that I have left behind while
having my children.  I am a current LLL Applicant and am very active in my
local group.

Now that that is done....

I have pitched a proposal to every hospital within 100 miles of my home
looking for a possible internship/mentoring program so that I may get
practical experience and the 4000 hours I need to sit for the exam.  Being a
LLLL will take 7 years, my business has only brought me 70 hours in one year
that qualify, and I live in an area where there are very few IBCLCs and they
are generally employed at a hospital.  I have limitations on my schedule that
premit me to only do this work on weekends or evenings.

The people that I have requested to follow are IBCLC, PP Nurses or L&D Nurses
at these hospitals, basically anyone who will let me that works with new
moms.  Most hospitals in this area do not have lactation programs and I was
turned down by most because of a lack of interest.  One did take me up on it
though.  The problem is... they want information on how other facilities are
doing this, primarily hospitals.  I know of no hospitals that are doing this.
 I got the idea from a reply I got from ILCA Ed. Dept. regarding ways to get
practice hours.  I am looking for information from anyone who has
participated in a program that trains LCs in this manner.  I have no RNursing
background.  Specific information that details how to train and who trained,
how was the trainee restricted in hands on situations, responsibilities of
preceptor and does the trainee need to be with the IBCLC for every contact?
 Any other information you could provide is appreciated.  This hospital is
new to this idea and employs one IBCLC that is assigned to be my preceptor.
 My time is volunteer time at this hospital.

Thanks,
Melissa
What happened to spring??????