to all First question. Is Marsha Walker on the net or on email and would someone have her email address? TIA. Second question or comment. For some time now I've read a lot of posts concerning IBCLC qualifications. I've been an IBCLC for five years and am having more trouble getting re-certified and trying to get the conference hours than it took to qualify to write the exam. It was suggested by the examiners that it woulld be easier and less expensive for me to just re-write the exam. My family, work load, and proximity to conferences has made it difficult to get the hours. But in re-writing the exam I do not feel that I learn a lot more. I devour books and articles on breastfeeding and the whole process of lactation and feel that I learn an awful lot in this manner. I hope to make up the rest of my time and maybe its just a dream but I want to go to the ILCA July Conference (I do have nightmares about getting on all the wrong planes since I'm not a frequent flyer - only once in my life and I'm from Canada). Standards in any organization are however very important but when I heard that an instructor teaching a 20 hour breastfeeding course said that she could fudge some of the student's hours so that after they had taken this course, they'd be able to write the IBCLC exam without much hands on experience, I get very angry. I'm not sure how much hands on experience she even has herself. However in closing, no matter what our title is its the results that count and after more than 18 years in the breastfeeding business I find the best rewards are the moms that come back to you with 2d, 3d, 4th etc. babies (not necessarily with problems, just to show off- and yes, even send their children to me for breastfeeding advice for their grandchildren. Degrees and exams are not nearly as satisfying. Oh yes! my other high comes when the Doc's ask me questions or suggest that once I'm satisfied with the breastfeeding episode a Mother can be discharged, even if it takes another 12 to 24 hours in hospital. We've come a long way. To all who are discouraged keep on plodding and just fill your minds. Its whats inside that counts. Attie Sandink RN., IBCLC. (an ILCA conference wanna be)