Lynne Shea wrote:

> "At the risk of sounding ignorant here, are you saying that it is the *time*
> that one has been a leader, regardless of the number, character , frequency of
> *calls*, that determines their eligibility to sit for the exam? Does that mean
> that there are former LLL leaders now LCs out there who may have had little
> counseling experience, telephone or otherwise prioir to sitting for the exam
> BUT had the CEUs and clocked time? If so, this is of GRAVE concern to me. When
> I refer to another LC from the "list" for our area, I will have no idea, unless
> I know them personally, whether or not they have the experience necessary to
> remedy an issue. Never mind the fact that the skill levels of these LCs reflect
> on the respectability of my profession! YIKES!!"




Lynne,

Your comments disturb me greatly, especially with your not-so-subtle slam on
LLL.   Most of what LLL Leaders do involves counseling in one way or another.
I've long felt that IBLCE should add a requirement to the exam that stipulates
that all who apply to sit for the exam should be able to prove that they attended
their local LLL group meetings for at least 6 months or more solely as an
observer who sat on her hands and listened and learned.

I've seen far too many "RN, IBCLC" types who lack counseling skills and who lack
the ability (or knowledge base) to assist mothers with babies older than just a
few days.  I've heard of terrible information being given out by "RN, IBCLCs."

I am sure that there are many RNs who have taken the exam by counting hours that
were not really one-to-one hours.  The recommendation forms I've seen since 1999
have reflected IBLCE's desire to scrutinize these hours far more closely than
ever before.

When I sat for the exam in 1998, I was shocked to hear many of the RNs who were
taking the exam complain about all the "counseling stuff" on the exam.  Just what
did they think being an IBCLC was all about?

I prefer to refer mothers to IBCLCs who have a background as LLL Leaders.    It
assures me that the mother is speaking to someone with a well-rounded
background.   I also know that LLL Leaders traditionally score higher on the exam
than candidates from any other background.

With the new changes to the exam requirements in 2003, I understand that IBLCE is
trying to standardize the entrance requirements to sit for the exam.  I also know
that these new requirements will make it much harder for mothers who come from a
background that includes volunteer breastfeeding counselors.

Because of this, I am very fearful for the LC profession as a whole.

Sincerely,
Andrea

--
Andrea Eastman, MA, IBCLC
Granville, Ohio
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