Linda Pohl and others, The "lactation educator" courses teach a lot about breastfeeding. However, CLE's are not in the same category as International Board certification, and (as far as I know) not recognized by malpractice insurance companies nor most employers as defined lactation credentials. That's because there are no existing standards or definitions for courses. Learning about breastfeeding through one of these courses is one way to acquire breastfeeding management knowledge. There are other ways, too, including apprenticing with an experienced IBCLC. IMHO, both are good pathways; one is faster. None of the preparation pathways provides the same public protection as passing a national or international exam. One problem in many areas is "liability" if an apprentice or student touches a mother or baby. LLLI provides insurance for Leaders who are working within their published guidelines. IBCLC's can get malpractice insurance from Maginnis. One of our course students was prohibited from shadowing a hospital-based LC because the student isn't a nurse employed by that hospital. There are ethical issues of "practicing" on moms that haven't been well-addressed on a large scale. Maginnis told me they will not cover "self-designated" credentials. A "lactation assistant" sounds to me a lot like a peer counselor. The terms and scopes of practice of all breastfeeding care providers overlap, and that's a good thing. IMHO, the more people helping moms, the better. When every mother gets all the help she needs and wants, from whomever she finds most helpful, then we can all relax. In the meantime, the issues of credentials will continue to be debated. I strongly urge you to get a copy of ILCA's Standards of Practice, which are designed for everyone practicing as an LC, certified or not. Linda Smith, BSE, FACCE, IBCLC Dayton, OH