Something about this survey for non-IBCLCs in having a lesser certification rings a bell with me. I have been thinking about this and can not remember exactly when BUT, this same issue came up about a year ago. They also asked about having a higher, special, credential for IBCLC. Only the survey then was IBCLC oriented and recruited. I feel like there are lots of lesser certifications, such as breastfeeding educator, already. I don't see how adding one more will give our profession value. The general public sees all these lesser certifications as the same as IBCLC anyway. As far as the debate on accredited lay BF helpers becoming IBCLC vs. RNs, it all depends on the person. I have seen some of the "best" IBCLCs come out of LLLI, but these were the women who aimed for excellence. It all depends on the IBCLCs heart and if she is striving to serve her clients in the best manner possible, or if this work is just a way to make money or to serve her own interests first. I am not seeing the excellence in newer IBCLCs that I equate with some of our IBCLCs who started out 15-20 years ago. And I have had way too many mothers question me (or show strong doubt) on the value of an IBCLC in the last two years. Maybe I just see this in the lens of the now, maybe we had poorly skilled and unprofessional IBCLCs all along. Maybe because it has affected me financially, I see it more clearly than when I was a new Leader 13 years ago. Kathy Eng, BSW, IBCLC *********************************************** To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest) To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet All commands go to [log in to unmask] The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(R) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html