In a message dated 96-12-29 19:55:50 EST, you write: << The IBLCE is requiring a minimum of 2500 (for a bachelor's degree) unsupervised hours in breastfeeding management alone to sit for an exam that is only on breastfeeding. Would it not be better perhaps, if the number of hours was reduced, but the requirements were made more stringent, such as x number of hours or experiences working with mothers and babies from birth to 2 days; x numbers from 2 days to 2 weeks, x number of babies with suckling difficulties, x number with low weight gain, etc. That would spread the experiences around, so that someone couldn't garner their 2500 hours solely by working in L&D and helping mothers with initial latch on and first bf, and never seeing a baby who is an FTT at 3 months? Or working with a premie? Or a mom who is severely engorged????? >> Hi All, As someone who is working toward her IBCLC I really find all this talk fascinating! I Really like Jan's idea here of more specific areas of "hour counting" to provide for more well rounded education in the field of lactation. In my job as a crisis counselor for WIC, the moms and babes I work with are in one of a few categories: Premies, FTT, low milk, badly damaged nips that require healing before putting baby back to breast, and meds (P&D). Only occasionally do I have any moms who have problems with older babies. Therefore most of my work is with the newborn and very little with the older baby/toddler. When a mom calls me for advice on an older baby problem, out come the books, or a referral to one of oour other PCs who has a lot of knowledge with older kids BF. I simply feel inadequate in that area, and here I am a CLE! So imagine an IBCLC in my position. I think it is important that we all have experience of some type (not just BF our own toddlers for the info) in the different age ranges, and in the different crisis areas. Give me a mom with a premie, and I am fine. A mom with a toddler....forget it. Basic info is great, but it is basic info. Books are great, but they aren't hands on learning. Just my .02 when I should be getting ready for my midwife visit. Just can't stay away from Lactnet! Jay