Dear all: Some of you have mentioned that you don't think it is fair to have as high of standards for the IBCLC because it may be difficult for those in other countries to get these qualifications. Well intended thoughts, but (PLEASE DON"T TAKE OFFENSE) also unintentionally patronizing. First, I have to say that I have many colleagues in different countries who are exceedingly well trained and did so without any compromise in standards. If I were to need cataract surgery and could afford the airfare, I would go to Madurai India to the Aravind Eye hospital because they see a volume of patients far greater than any ophthalmic surgeon in Manhattan. They have great training. Ditto when I think about the Famine Early Warning System in Niger - many excellent epidemiologists who could have been interviewed by the news media but weren't. They would have told the news much more about the precipitating causes. Second, WHO and UNICEF did run a training course on breastfeeding for health care professionals. If my memory serves me correctly, that course was for 30 days. Far longer than my 7 days of course work for my IBCLC. Materials already exist that I'm sure could be adapted. Third, there are many many excellent organizations that work in developing countries (some of them local nongovernmental organizations) that are highly skilled in training. With the right mix of collaborating NGOs and interest, it would not be that difficult to set up such a training program. It would take, perhaps a few well chosen professions who might follow through a training course (I'm thinking Norway rather than the US where we are not as sophisticated in supporting breastfeeding). Then a few grant proposals - and they would be able to generate their own programs. I am sure that this process would teach us much as well one always learns from differing perspectives. We do not need to water down the standards for other countries. We do need to look to existing structures to build a process for creating opportunities. Susan E. Burger, MHS, PhD, 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