To all that I have offended, my apologies.  I had no intention of implying
that LLL leaders were somehow less qualified than IBCLCs.  This is
especially heartfelt since, in addition to having passed the boards, I
consider my primary qualification is that I am a LLL leader (although
currently on reserve.)  Taking the boards did not make me more qualified to
help breastfeeding moms, it gave me a way to assure moms that when I
functioned outside of LLL, I was qualified to help.  Much like being
accredited by FAAP gives assurance to moms that a physician has additional
qualifications as a pediatrician.

I encourage any mom who says she has seen a "lactation consultant" to verify
that this person is IBCLC.  I have always told moms that the most reliable
breastfeeding information comes from IBCLCs or LLLLs since these are the
only two organizations that have the power to regulate the quality of the
information given by the people with their accreditation.  There are many
who give breastfeeding information some good, some fair, some bad.  Not all
IBCLCs and LLLLs are terrific, likewise many without these credentials give
very good information.

My concerns are:
   1) how will moms know whether or not they can rely on information given
by non-IBCLCs and non-LLLLs?
   2) how can non-IBCLCs be covered by malpractice?  LLLLs are covered when
functioning in their capacity as a LLLL under the direction of LLLI.  When
LLLLs practice outside of the control of LLLI, they are not covered by
malpractice through LLLI.  I wish this wasn't an issue but, in this
litigious society it is a big concern.

Thanks for all the input guys.  Perhaps through discussion we, as a
community, can come to a consensus on this issue.

All the Best,


Linda Pohl, IBCLC
Phoenix, Arizona USA
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