Like Jan, I would rather see any additional credentials not for a "lower level" of expertise, but for higher levels or specialties within the profession.  Nursing has the RNC credential where a nurse can be certified as having specific area(s) of expertise such as cancer nuraing, geriatrics, OB (mostly L&D), maternal/newborn, newborn intensive care, etc.
Many have comented that not all LCs are equally proficient in all aspects of working with breastfeeding coupets/families.  After all, it has been said from the beginning that the IBCLC credential is ENTRY LEVEL.  Then it would make more sense to have additional or advanced certification to show who has special expertise such as premies, anatomical challenges, sucking difficulties etc.  If IBCLC is already entry level, what would a lower one be?   A "knocking at the door" level?

Winnie Mading

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