Hi All,

Coach Smith here. I haven't been reading much lately, but wanted to chime in
on this issue.

I was deeply involved in the founding of the IBLCE exam back in 1982-1985.
Many of the founders were convinced that personal BF experience should (1)
be required, and (2) was essential to effective practice. We researched and
discussed the issue over and over, sometimes long into the night, and
sometimes not very gently. The first three years' candidates test scores
were rigorously examined and compared to their personal BF experiences, or
lack thereof.

The result: dead end. It didn't matter. In fact, long personal BF experience
was sometimes a detriment. I understand that this has been verified in
subsequent research.

Personal breastfeeding experience helps one to understand BF "from the
inside" - the subjective viewpoint, the attitudinal piece. People can
acquire this without personal experience. Studying breastfeeding "from the
outside" creates the objective viewpoint, the professional viewpoint. Both
are needed. One does not substitute for the other. The exam tests both, as
rightly it should.

Remember, some of the pioneers and top experts in this field do not have
personal breastfeeding experience. And this issue is not unique to
lactation - some of the best OB's and midwives have not borne children, some
of the most skilled therapists have never been mentally ill, and some of the
best coaches have never competed in the sport they coach.

I've written on this before - some are on my web site at
http://www.bflrc.com/ljs/professional/courses%20and%20credentials.htm.

Linda J. Smith, BSE, FACCE, IBCLC
Bright Future Lactation Resource Centre
Dayton, OH USA
http://www.bflrc.com

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