In a message dated 10/28/99 7:20:14 AM US Mountain Standard Time, [log in to unmask] writes: << But Theresa, what does CLC mean? I don't mean to pick on you -- and I'm not going to, but this is a major problem for the public and for others. Exactly what does CLC mean? Or CLE? or CLS? Or a myriad of other intials that are out there. How does anyone, especially the public, know what this person has done to "earn" the CLC? Or CLE? Or C...whatever. >> Jan, How many people in the general public know what IBCLC means if you don't explain it to the? I am not trying to be flip here, I spend a lot of my time educating clients as to the difference between my 'credentials' as a clc and 'student lactation consultant' and those my employer who is an IBCLC. Like the previous poster (Theresa I believe) I have had IBCLC's ask me questions, have more information on some subjects than they do, and am well aware of my limitations. I do not do consults, I do not help with latch on questions (except to describe proper positioning and tell them that bf does not hurt if done correctly) and I don't try to pass myself off as a lactation consultant in any way. There are people in other support areas (WIC and LLL for example-not to disparage either of those groups) who have less experience than I and no credentials-dispensing BF help of all kinds. As I have asked before, how else am I supposed to get started? I cannot work in the capacity I do without the CLC credential, and am looked down upon by the profession I want to join by using the CLC credential. Tell me what you want me to do. You pushed some buttons here. Cheryl Tompkins CLC Phoenix AZ USA *********************************************** The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html