I have to say SOMETHING about this CLE vs. IBCLC thing. Having been an
accredited LLLL and currently a recertified IBCLC, I find it very disturbing
when I encounter a CLE who has supposedly been told by her weekend course
instructor that she "has nearly the same amount of information as an IBCLC."
There are CLE instructors out there who are doing this. I had one CLE bring
me the tape she covertly made during the course (supposedly for her own
review) and I heard it myself. I was disgusted. There is no way that a 4
day course can compare to either the LLL L requirements or the IBCLC. What
I tend to see is the CLEs using the same 4 or 5 tools in their tool box over
and over and over again.
Sorry folks; it (the CLE) may be a beginning, but it is not an end.
Unfortunately, many of these CLEs now think they "have it all" and really
don't need to further their knowledge because this instructor led them to
believe they knew as much as an IBCLC and that the only thing standing
between them was the exam. Personally, I wish there wasn't an option of
the CLE. I think it confuses the public and makes for difficult relations
among health care professionals (especially when we have instructors doing
what I've described above).
I also must disagree that LLLLs **ALL** receive extensive training.
Unfortunately it varies greatly depending upon who is mentoring the Leader
Applicant and who is delivering the preview. Yes, having nursed for a year
is a big step up from someone who has never nursed at all, but the training
that Leaders get is very variable and informal. When I was the APL for
Oregon, I found that Leaders had huge discrepancies in their information
base. Some never read a single LEAVEN or go to a conference after they are
"accredited" (the correct term that LLLI uses). Clearly, I am biased in
that I think the best LCs are those with both a LLL background and an IBCLC
credential, but they are NOT one and the same. I could go on and talk about
why being a CHES (Certified Health Education Specialist) or PhD in public
health is relevant to LC practice, but I won't. If you want to know about
CHES requirements, please email me privately. There is a lot of overlap and
they can be very mutually beneficial.
IBCLCs ARE the gold standard because we must meet stringent pre-cert reqs
and ongoing CERP requirements AND recertify by EXAM (one exam given to all
everywhere--not subject to any individual who is administering it).
Okay, now I've said it and I'm ready for the proverbial sour milk to hit the
fan.
Regards,
--
--Chris Hafner-Eaton, PhD, MPH, CHES, IBCLC [log in to unmask]
INFANT CUISINE AND MOTHER CARE: Lactation Consulting, Perinatal Health
Education and Attachment Parenting Classes for parents and practitioners
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