Oh, won't that heading be one for the archives????

> I think we all bring our own unique talents to our IBCLC role.  The IBCLC who
> is a former teacher, dietician, or LLL Leader has knowledge that you, as an
> RN, do not.  Some of the very BEST in our field were never nurses.  It is my
> contention that IBCLC pay scales ought to be absolutely separate and based
> on
> knowledge and experience in lactation, not try to take advantage of
> colleagues who are not nurses.  Being a nurse does NOT necessarily make you
> a
>

Becky, your entire post was outstanding!!!  YES, YES, and double YES!  We DO
bring our unique roles to the position......

One thing I have found is that RN IBCLCs tend to be very much more "hands on"
(hey -- we are trained that way -- what can I say????) and the non-RN IBCLCs
are very much "hands off."  I mean that in a very positive way.  I have a
very hard time keeping my hands off moms & babies when they are fumbling w/ a
latch, while the non-RN IBCLCs seem to do better w/ that.  Is this an
indictment -- not at all.  Just an observation.

I'm so glad there are ALL of us out there.  We NEED RNs in the position in
the hospital.  We need NON-RNs in the position in the hospital.  I may think
that because I'm an RN I have an edge -- but do I really?  Or am I (as one
physician in his book so gently put it) anal-retentive???  Hmmmmm????  Do I
see breastfeeding as a relationship or as a means to feed the baby?  Or is it
both?  (Yes, in case you were wondering about how I view bf).

Anyway....this is great.  Keep it up.

Jan Barger -- RN (and IBCLC) in Wheaton where it is STILL raining!

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