While I agree that there needs to be a consensus in the overall lactation 
practice there are a few key points to keep in mind.
1) CLC, there are those in the field who choose not to take the IBCLC for 
good reasons. They have been in practice for a long time, keep up on 
changes and new research and have a solid foundation in lactation. Also 
there are those who just cannot afford to take the test because they are no 
sponsored. These individuals should not be passed on as not credible as one 
of my mentors is a PNP, CLC and taught me more than any IBCLC I ever worked 
ith or knew. Too many IBCLC's are book junkies and pass the test but truly 
have no practical knowledge when it comes to actually practicing lactation.

2) Peer counselors are a core to any lactation, whether WIC or not. I have 
been in those shoes and seen how it can help. I was lucky to do this in an 
area very compelled to help mothers and gained more knowledge than many get 
in education by also helping in the clinics they had.

3) Lesser credential. Currently there are still many reputable CLE 
programs, I consider this a stepping stone to an IBCLC for those who want 
to pursue it such as myself. Creating another credentiral creates more 
confusion for mothers and professionals. I advertise as a CLE and although 
I do consultations in the area we just moved to, I would not call myself an 
LC until I finished other coursework that I am pursuing as well.

4) Licensing is a must, however I have heard of the push for only RN's to 
be able to do this regardless of the background. I am not an RN but got my 
BS in Psychology and took an emphasis in medicine and family counseling. 
Let me emphasize that this schooling has prepared me so well for what I do 
today it shocks me. I comprehend research better than some professionals 
who do not understand the terminology, and I have been trained to 
listen....a skill many I have worked with no longer care to use or never 
had.

Sorry for the length, we all need to work together and help each other 
attain a new level for lactation. Then and only then will we grow as a 
standard (and maybe get insurance reimbursement besides medi-caid!) and 
have a consistency in practice.

Emily Lindsey, BSPsy, CLE
Private Practice Merced, CA

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