I found it interesting that I first heard about the CBC credential being 
implemented by reading a statement written by the NWA forwarded to LACTNET. 
This, even before I heard from IBLCE, asking for participation in another 
survey. How is it that WIC knew all about this credential being implemented, 
even before current IBCLCs were contacted by their credentialing organization?

I am one of the IBCLCs who contested the original development of the 2nd 
credential, years ago, when this first came up. The issue seemed to have 
disappeared, at least from the IBLCE website, soon after the survey, and it was 
difficult to know what or when to expect any developments. Now to be informed 
that the NWA has been in the loop longer than those of us who have earned 
the classification of IBCLC, I find myself extremely disappointed. 

Yes, with 90% of IBCLCs practicing as nurses, it should not surprise anyone 
that private practice IBCLCs are struggling. It should not surprise the 
Board, either, and it seems they believe that they can substitute the 
anticipated CBCs for the dearth of private practice IBCLCs, thereby correcting the 
current lack of community based breastfeeding support. I don't believe this 
will provide the 'fix' that communities need to bridge the gap between leaving 
the hospital and finding the professional lactation care that new mothers 
need. 

It seems that WIC does not intend to go along with the plan, either, as 
they seem to have indicated that they feel their training methods need no 
validation by the Board. This response should be seen as indicative of how far we 
have to go. Add this to the lack of communication coming from hospitals 
without lactation programs and from pediatrician's offices without IBCLCs, and 
its relatively easy to understand the current situation.

As a private practice LC who was struggling to make a living six years ago, 
I find that it has become nearly impossible to continue to strive to fill 
in the gaps in coverage. In these troubled financial times, families are even 
more reluctant to hire an IBCLC. I don't believe that having yet another 
credential added to the mix is going to increase either the BF rate or 
duration. It seems to me that the current alphabetical soup, created by the various 
one and two day trainings, or the week long sessions, have already muddied 
the waters adequately. What is ironic about the situation is that it seems 
that individual IBCLCs are responsible for these training sessions. 

Its my personal opinion that the profession would be best served by 
developing a collegiate program that can be implemented across the country. Perhaps 
then we could garner some respect and acceptance for our field. I fear that 
as long as we expect the ranks to swell by nurses taking a short course in 
lactation, the situation will stay the same.

Niki Konchar, IBCLC



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