It is fun to recognize the history of our new field and I agree that people
entering the field should be familiar with the 'pioneers' and their
contributions.  However, I don't think it's a likely IBLCE exam question
topic for a variety of reasons.

First, the exam is *worldwide* and individuals' contributions are
more-or-less recognized depending on where they're from.  While there are a
few towering, worldwide names, many more names would be more regionally
recognized.

Next, it's the art and current science of lactation support that is being
tested, not one's appreciation of the history of the field.  I'd rather have
aspiring IBCLCs understand the sequence of sucking and swallowing - I don't
think it matters whether they know that Mike Woolridge's studies
demonstrated this sequence.

Finally, exam questions must be referenced to the literature and the
committee bends over backwards to make sure they are objective, not
opinion-based.  There's going to be a wide divergence of opinion about who
is important and why, and speaking as the person who did the references for
IBLCE's exam for several years, I can tell you that such questions would be
*impossible* to reference!

In other words, our history is not something that can or should be tested on
a clinical certification exam, IMNSHO.  I do think it's an important facet
of who we are and I agree that aspiring lactation consultants should be
familiar with this history.

Mary Riley Renard, RN, BSN, IBCLC
former employee of IBLCE; speaking for myself only
Vienna Virginia  USA

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