"A scope of practice for a particular professional comes from the
organization that provided the certification, since there is no  professional
organization for lactation educators.   I expect that if  you contact the group that
certified you, they would have a scope of practice  developed.  I'm a bit
surprised they didn't provide it or discuss it in  your course.   ILCA has developed
the scope and standards of practice  for an IBCLC; you are absolutely right to
be desiring a scope of practice for a  CLE."

I read from the original inquiry that the poster had not yet taken any certification, but was interested in the scope as a means of looking into programs. Perhaps I read that wrong. 

The Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association, includes members certified as lactation educators, doulas, and childbirth educators. The CAPPA program includes position papers on lactation education, and a very detailed scope of practice included in training materials, and as part of the final exam for certification. 

From the CAPPA site:

Scope of practice
Certified Lactation Educator

Lactation Educators fill an important function in educating and supporting families interested in learning about breastfeeding. This education may take place in the public, hospital, clinical or private setting. Lactation Educators provide informational, emotional and practical support of breastfeeding. They may provide this service exclusively as breastfeeding educators, or may use their training to augment their support in other professions, in the cases of doulas, childbirth educators, nurses, dietitians, and postnatal or parenting educators. In addition to providing breastfeeding information, Lactation Educators offer encouragement, companionship, an experienced point of view, and foster confidence and a commitment to breastfeeding. 

CAPPA does not issue Certified Lactation Consultant status, nor does the Lactation Educator Program qualify a member to dispense medical advice, diagnose or prescribe medication. However, Lactation Educators provide a wealth of information about how and why to breastfeed; establishing a breastfeeding-friendly environment; basic breastfeeding
anatomy and physiology; the normal process of lactation; deviations from normal; physical, emotional and sociological barriers to breastfeeding; overcoming challenges; and resources available (including medical referrals) for the breastfeeding family. They can also be a source of vital support, guidance and encouragement throughout the duration of breastfeeding.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mirine R. Dye, CCE,CD,CLE
Community Childbirth and Lactation Educator
Mothers in Paradise Support Group
Student, Maternal and Child Health Studies, UIU
Florida Keys and Key West
www.keysmama.org

             ***********************************************

To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail
To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest)
To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
All commands go to [log in to unmask]

The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(R)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html