Apparently, there is something significant we as IBCLCs in the US did not know that we need to know:


‎"The Certified Lactation Counselor®, (CLC) certification is the premier National Certification in Lactation Management for the United States." 




This is where this comes from:


This past week, Renee Beebe posted on her blog "Who is NOT a Lactation Consultant" and she got reamed, especially by those claiming CLC and IBCLC are just different paths to the same end and equal in all ways.


Foolish me, I even wrote a blog post that I was about to put up as to how comparing an IBCLC to a CLC  or any of the other bfing helper credentials is like comparing a midwife to a doula or childbirth educator--all very important, but very different. 


Looks like I was wrong. 


Because today a doula posted this blog--tearing IBCLCs apart:
http://www.hearthsidedoulas.com/blog/2012/03/08/Professional-In-fighting.aspx?alt_id=G2TNW-3A136-0R1&ts=1331262404368


She writes:
"I’ve written before that IBCLCs are intricately enmeshed with Certified Lactation Consultants. Did you know that the IBLCE has now approved Healthy Children’s- the group that trains CLCs- to offer advanced education to IBCLCs which would allow them to use the designation ALC (Advanced Lactation Consultant)? This same training is available to CLCs who will also then use the ALC designation."


And she points out that even the IBLCE considers CLC and IBCLC equal and that both are qualifications for becoming Advanced Lactation Consultants. 


And you know what--it seems she is correct! It seems that while we were busy gaining skills and helping moms the IBLCE and probably ILCA has sold us down the river. 


Because this is what is says on the website for Healthy Children:
http://www.healthychildren.cc/ADVANCED.HTM


 ‎"The Certified Lactation Counselor®, (CLC) certification is the premier National Certification in Lactation Management for the United States." 



The Lactation Counselor Certificate Training Program

This research based training provides 

Comprehensive breastfeeding management training

Practical skills that will make you more effective in your job

Time-saving hospital strategies that make breastfeeding a success

Strategies and tips for special circumstances - premies, Down Syndrome,
newborns affected by medications, and more

How to talk to mothers in a way that encourages them to choose breastfeeding

Public Health/WIC strategies that work to increase breastfeeding success

Confidence building knowledge and skills

 
This comprehensive, evidence-based, breastfeeding management course includes practical skills, theoretical foundations and competency verification. Technical issues are explored within the context of counseling the mother in the hospital and in public health and community settings. This course prepares participants for professional work helping mothers and babies: this program trains participants how to gain insight into clients' problems, with a strong focus on counseling skills.




The Advanced Issues in Lactation Practice – Advanced Nurse Lactation Consultant (ANLC) Advanced Lactation Consultant (ALC) Certification Program is accredited by the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice and the ANCC Commission on Accreditation as a Nursing Skills Competency Program.



This interactive course provides IBCLCs and CLCs with the opportunity to earn advanced certification in lactation management while verifying the insight, knowledge and skills essential to the development and implementation of management strategies for complex problems related to breastfeeding and human lactation. Participants will examine cases, and develop management strategies using knowledge of psychology, sociology, infant development, gender studies, professional interrelations and ethics. Purpose, Objectives and Criteria for Successful Course Completion are available here.

For Advanced Lactation Consultant Certification: IBCLC or Healthy Children CLC plus successful completion of the course Maternal Infant Assessment for Breastfeeding and Human Lactation.










Jennifer Tow, IBCLC, USA & France
Intuitive Parenting Network, LLC


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