Linda Pohl and others,

The "lactation educator" courses teach a lot about breastfeeding.  However,
CLE's are not in the same category as International Board certification, and
(as far as I know) not recognized by malpractice insurance companies nor most
employers as defined lactation credentials. That's because there are no
existing standards or definitions for courses.  Learning about breastfeeding
through one of these courses is one way to acquire breastfeeding management
knowledge. There are other ways, too, including apprenticing with an
experienced IBCLC. IMHO, both are good pathways; one is faster. None of the
preparation pathways provides the same public protection as passing a
national or international exam.

One problem in many areas is "liability" if an apprentice or student touches
a mother or baby.  LLLI provides insurance for Leaders who are working within
their published guidelines.  IBCLC's can get malpractice insurance from
Maginnis. One of our course students was prohibited from shadowing a
hospital-based LC because the student isn't a nurse employed by that
hospital.  There are ethical issues of "practicing" on moms that haven't been
well-addressed on a large scale. Maginnis told me they will not cover
"self-designated" credentials.

A "lactation assistant" sounds to me a lot like a peer counselor.  The terms
and scopes of practice of all breastfeeding care providers overlap, and
that's a good thing. IMHO, the more people helping moms, the better.  When
every mother gets all the help she needs and wants, from whomever she finds
most helpful, then we can all relax.  In the meantime, the issues of
credentials will continue to be debated.

I strongly urge you to get a copy of ILCA's Standards of Practice, which are
designed for everyone practicing as an LC, certified or not.

Linda Smith, BSE, FACCE, IBCLC
Dayton, OH