In a message dated 2/2/2005 9:34:28 A.M. US Eastern Standard Time,  
[log in to unmask] writes:

Sure a  manager has to sign the form, but what if
the manager has a mandate from on  high that there must be an IBCLC in
that position and there was no one  else?  Would she be willing to fudge?
(Oh, I didn't realize ALL the  hours had to be spent with just
breastfeeding moms.) Please don't flame  me.  I don't mean to cast
aspersions, but when breastfeeding is just a  job and not your passion,
things may look a little different to you.   I don't doubt a
less-experienced, passionate IBCLC will go after the  experience and
education to fill in the blanks.  But what about the  one for whom it is
just a requirement of their job?   



First we need to clarify something for WIC IBCLCs in Indiana which is the  
location of these accusations.  This was never mandated.  NO one ever  said 
there MUST be an IBCLC.  It is encouraged and it is our dream to  achieve this 
goal. No one was reimbursed nor was the exam paid for by WIC in  Indiana.  A WIC 
employee sitting for the IBCLE exam in Indiana did so using  her own funds. No 
one received a raise for taking the exam.  Again this is  all done because 
this is a  personal choice to help breastfeeding mothers.  No one was promised a 
promotion if they completed this exam. Nor was becoming an  IBCLC a 
requirement of a job.  We require that a Regional Center be  directed by an IBCLC.  In 
some cases these centers were moved in order to  meet this requirement. There 
are 9 regional centers in Indiana. All but 2 are  coordinated by employees who 
were IBCLC before this position was even  created.  Three of these centers 
are directed by people who have been IBCLC  over 12 years and prior to WIC 
employment. 
Some WIC agencies may have encouraged this more than others, but some  
hospitals encourage this more than others. However ALL of us are working toward  the 
goal of having IBCLC the standard for the lactation profession.  Why is  a 
WIC IBCLC a detriment to the credential? Why would someone who was an IBCLC  
prior to employment with WIC be considered "a WIC type lactation consultant?"  
Should she give up her legitimate credential because she now works for  WIC?
Indiana WIC IBCLCs with more than 5 years experience were trained to be  
clinical instructors in order to assist those choosing to follow this  path.  If 
someone did submit an application with hours that are falsified,  I would like 
to know about it, since as chairperson of the WIC Breastfeeding  Committee, it 
was part of my responsibility to mentor these people through the  process. 
The personnel I mentored had their hours checked and if there was a  deficiency 
they were given experiences, on their OWN time, to assist them in  meeting the 
requirements of IBLCE. Some even traveled to other agencies to get  more 
clinical experience.
Lactation consultants need to work together to become an accepted member of  
the health care team. WIC has worked very hard to bring breastfeeding 
promotion  and support to the top of their program.  Breastfeeding promotion is a  
mandate for WIC.  IBCLC is not a mandate or requirement.  It is a goal  for all 
us to provide quality support to all mothers regardless of their  income.
Carole Peterson MS, IBCLC
Indiana WIC program
 
 

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