Regarding Sharon's Posting:

I don't believe that an IBCLC should be required to encompass in her training those elements which traditionally belong to other fields.  I don't think that I could physically clip a frenelum nor would I want to perform any risky invasive procedures that I would not be comfortable with. This does not prevent me from succeeding in performing the myriad  assessments, consults, diagnosis and I am happy networking with our various HCP's  (dentists who clip, md's for Rx, CST's) and referring my clients to those who can perform these tasks.  Like any other profession, if I would want to endeavor on expanding my own knowledge and incorporating OT, PT etc. I may choose to do that, just as many of us have actually gone back to school to add the RN after our IBCLC. Some MD's have gone back to study homeopathy.  But I believe that if we start spreading out to incorporate the other professions from the onset, para-medical or other, we may stand to gain criticism from these professions as well as wanting to "take over" tasks which fall into their jurisdiction.

Anyone is free to take on as many complimentary courses as they like, and add to their many initials.  But I don't think that it should be a requirement. As it is, many of our colleagues here cannot believe the stringent requirements of the IBLCE and I do believe that the one thing, maybe more than anything else that enhances ones success and knowledge is the actual clinical experience!

I believe there is enough room in this world for us all, and we must remain the specialists that we are - in our field. We have to keep focused on the task set out before us. We gain more friends by networking and referring to our fellow HCPs than if they would perceive us as trying to steal their clients and as long as we did not complete the same number of hours/months/years' course we would not be considered qualified according the their professional standard. We see this today even amongst ourselves when we know that IBCLC is the only gold standard. But what about all the other LC's who do not have the initials? And the other "specialists" in the lactation field. (NOT MHO HERE, just a comparison).

 Ellen shein, Tel Aviv

 

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