Good Morning, I wanted to throw in my thoughts on qualifications. I was pleased to read Mary's description of how they treat applications. I too have wondered about people 'fudging' practice hours. I personally feel that candidates SHOULD have an established IBCLC mentor, someone who's been in the field for 5+ years, as a way to monitor the candidates learning and practice time. However, I realize that not everyone is able to have an IBCLC mentor. I am lucky enough to have my good friend Karen Evon as my mentor, and believe me I learn something new EVERY day, and she makes sure I know what I'm doing! :) We have an IBCLC here in Sacramento who, IMHO, needs to be stripped of her IBCLC. Others here feel the same way. She does things that are totally inappropriate, ie. telling moms she needs to put their baby to HER breast in order to do a suck evaluation, telling moms who are having BF problems that it is THEIR fault, and if the mom has a hard time doing what they've been told, then she tells the mom that they aren't trying hard enough and maybe they don't really want to BF their baby! This came to me firsthand by a mom this person has dealt with this person (she came to me in tears and I'm not even a CLE yet!), and I have talked with many others here who have all dealt with this womans *fallout* of crying moms. This is just one example of a HORRID IBCLC, and it is people like her who give us all a bad name, and reputation. Mary, what can we do about people like this one here? Anyway, I feel that monitoring of candidates is well warranted, and reccomending that they have mentors is a wonderful idea! The public needs to be made aware of the qualifications of a GOOD LC. I think it is high time that there be some sort of news program telling about IBCLCs , what they do, and how they get their training. Oprah maight be a good place to start, or even Montel Williams (He is very proud of the fact that his wife is BF their newborn). These shows, I know, may not be *news* shows, but a LOT of people watch them, especially pregnant moms home on maternity leave! Anyone out there willing to go on TV? I'll write the letters! Just think about how many people there are out there who don't even know that this field even exists! I had no clue until I stumbled upon a wonderful gal named Anne Gorrell (who is lurking Here now! Hi Anne!) who put me in touch with Karen Evon when I was having horrible problems BF my, then newborn, son. If I hadn't found them, I would have ended up quitting BF, because my problems were so severe. That would have killed me, because I am so FOR BF. I never want any of my children to have anything but my milk while they are babies (or toddlers!). Well, now I'm rambling so it must be time to get some breakfast! Doughnuts anyone? Take care all, thanks for listening! Jay LC2B With great teachers!