Since I am not an LC but a LLLL who hopes to sit for the exam in 3 years (all
the kids will be in school then)  I do not have to deal with the problem of
mothers shopping around since my price is about as low as it gets!  However I
do get a lot of calls from people who can't work with, can't find or can't
afford an LC.

I too have had to clean up after people who call themselves LC's but do not
have the qualifications to perform the job effectively.  I have received
calls from moms who have tried to call the LC for the hospital and never got
the call returned.  I have talked to mom's who have been given the wrong
information.  I just hope no one is ever responsible for a baby's health
being compromised.  Just recently I worked with a mom and her 4 day old.  He
nursed fine immediatly after birth but was given bottles in the hospital
before D/C (heaven only knows why).  Once home he would not latch.  Mom
called the *LC* several times and was given the advise to just keep trying.
 The *LC* finally advised her to just give EBM in a bottle!  Mom did not want
to bottle feed, mom wanted to breastfeed.  I made a home visit and with a
little change in positioning, a bunch of pillows(!), some praise for mom to
restore some of her lost confidence and a lot of persistence, baby was
latching on fine in under 2 hours. This was a simple case to resolve with
only a little effort and mom and baby are now happily nursing.

I would like to see the profession of Lactation Consult be one of those that
administers an exam in order to be able to practice.  It works for RN's,
MD's. attorneys, and a lot of others.  It will at least establish a world
recognized standard that would apply to all LC's in practice.

Diane Karnbach, LLLL
Va Beach, VA