Pam,
I always understood that as an LLLL, I needed to keep within the guidelines of
LLLI printed material approved by their medical (now Professional) Advisory
Board.  As the literature from LLLI is now so extensive, very rarely am I going
outside of those boundaries, but I try, whenever I use my LLLL hat, to check
with the Breastfeeding Answer Book or the Leader's handbook to make sure I'm OK.
I understand that the Liability Insurance I have as a Leader ends whenever I go
outside those boundaries.

As I also work under the supervision of three pediatricians in my work with
Proyecto Lacta, I check with them whenever there is anything that may be assumed
to be "practicing medicine" (diagnosis, recommendations of medical treatment or
medicines) - and we have protocols for my own protection.  I also carry my own
personal LC Liability Insurance.

In my LC hat, I can observe, recommend and teach.

Actually, Barbara said it best - I even translated this into Spanish for our
local group.  I think as an LLLL we do more directly with the mom.   I didn't
feel I was part of the Health Care Team until I became an LC.
____
"We manage, we mop up, hopefully we prevent.  We support, we research, we
advocate. We know how to be part of a health care team which insures that
mother and baby are best protected and breastfeeding is preserved.   We do
not practice medicine."
Barbara Wilson-Clay, BS, IBCLC
____

Jeanette Panchula, BA-SW, RN, IBCLC and LLLL (not speaking for LLLI)
Puerto Rico
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