Hi, everyone. Please forgive my previous on non-LCs if anyone
found it offensive. I was in PMS mode, and this may have colored
the tone, and I would like to explain what I was really trying
to say.
The more I read of the personal difficulties encountered by those
on the Net with LC - non-LC issues (and finally caught on that
what was REALLY the issue was IBCLC vs non-IBCLC), the greater
became my appreciation of your serious problem. A private
communication I received from Yaffa Stark, who once lived in Beer
Sheva for a few years, so knows a little better where I'M coming
from, also furthered my understanding. I stand on what I said or
at least MEANT to say previously, that you people (meaning those
in the US) who are involved with the IBCLC, should believe in
what you've started, because it is very, very important. You are
literally making history, and I am very proud to be in
communication with you, sharing your thoughts and being
beneficiary to your expertise. Darn, I sound so pompous and
patronizing. That's just the way I write. Trust me on this, in
person I'm not the same.
I speak as a person who regards herself as a lactation counsellor
who knows her limitations, who lives outside the US, but who is
growing more appreciative of the problems faced by LCs in the
States (you see, I was jealous for a long time of you guys,
thinking you had it all made - after all, at least lactation
consultancy is recognized in the States), and of course I hope
that it is clear that what I write is my opinion only, and not
necessarily reflects the opinion or experience of any other
Israeli LC. With this in mind, I just want to say that I would
like to hope that, when this issue is settled by IBCLC, and I
devoutly hope that it will be the IBCLC to settle it, together
with the other health professions, that those living outside of
the US will be taken into consideration. As a f'rinstance, there
is not much chance for us in Israel, at least, to get a lot of
experience with various pumps and other bfing aids. They simply
are not available, or we are dependent upon a hospital's good
graces. It is difficult for some "foreigners" to go to or attend
conferences needed for continuing education or to qualify to take
the IBCLC. Clinical hours may be an insurmountable problem for
some people really worthy and anxious to get their IBCLC.
I just realized that I really added to your burden, and I really
didn't mean to. However, if the "International" wants to remain
international, you have to bear in mind cultural bias when
history is being hammered out and our profession becomes more
clearly defined and understood world-wide. Perhaps what is needed
is several levels of the profession, with varying competencies
(do I understand correctly that this is the meaning of "entry
level"?). Eg, since I am not allowed in the hospital and most
nurses at my hospital are hostile, I have almost no contact with
preemies, pumps or very early problems in bfing. A lot of my work
is trying to undo hospital foul-ups or misunderstandings
engendered by hospital policies. I have learned a lot on the Net,
but certainly do not for a second imagine that this makes me
competent to deal with certain problems. Reactions, anyone? My
very personal feeling is that I would love to be "international
board certified", but on a lower competency level than the
present IBCLC. Does this make sense to anyone? I am always
cheered when I see how few "provincianalists" (where are you,
Webster?) there are on the Net. I think Lactnet is the greatest!
I hope that my position can be understood. I sometimes have
difficulty understanding it myself.....Sorry this was so long.
Had to unburden myself. Regards, Judy Knopf