Liz says,
 
<<Barbara writes an excellent post about how the proposed CBC  could
standardize qualifications for breastfeeding helpers  >>
 
 
Unfortunately it would only  standardize qualifications like the IBLCE exam 
qualifications are  standardized.  And, in point of fact, they haven't even 
decided what the  qualifications will be.  20 hours of breastfeeding 
education?  A 50  question exam?  No exam?  100 hours of counseling bf moms?  
 
One of the  (many) frustrations I have with IBLCE and the qualifications 
for sitting  the exam is the 45 didactic hours can be ANY 45 CERPs.  There is 
no  requirement to even take a course.  For those that have been bemoaning 
the  fact that many people take a "week long course" and then are certified 
as the LL  (Lactation Lady) -- well, HEY -- at least they took a course!!  
Presumably  in that week long course they covered everything that is on the 
IBLCE  grid.  That is only recommended by IBLCE, NOT required.  So  
theoretically someone could get their 45 hours in a bunch of ISUs or a couple of  
conferences -- heck, 2 ILCA conferences would cover the requirement -- and never 
 get any sort of an underpinning of the breastfeeding basics.
 
I think there is a lot of work  to do in terms of standardizing IBLCE 
requirements before they start working on  a "lesser credential."
 
But I -- and many many others  -- have been saying this for at least 5 
years when the idea was first broached  -- and it continues to fall on deaf 
ears, regardless of the dissent for this  among the ranks.
 
Why are we not encouraging WIC  peer counselors (who have a good basic 
education before they are allowed to be  peer counselors) who are interested to 
go on and take the IBLCE  exam?
 
Do you know that Indiana WIC  has 58 IBCLCs?  And will have more after 
July?  Why aren't other  states doing the same thing that Indiana is doing?  
Their goal is to have  at least one IBCLC in every agency.
 
I think IBLCE is shooting itself in  the foot with this one.....
 
I'd much rather see a higher  credential.  Something that those of us that 
have been IBCLCs for 15 or 20  years could aspire to.  You know, 
IBCLC(squared) or something like  that.
 
 
 
Jan Barger, RN, MA, IBCLC, FILCA
Lactation Education  Consultants
_www.lactationeducation.com_ (http://www.lactationeducation.com/)  
**************Looking for love this summer? Find it now on AOL Personals. 
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