Dear LC & other lactnet members
I have watched for awhile and it has disturbed me that there has been several
lists regarding persons other than IBCLC doing lactation consultation & the
gest seems to be that these persons are not qualified to assist a bf mom.
Of the LC's I know personally they range from specialized R.N.'s to persons
with no formal education but well studied in lactation.  Many of them are
IBCLC.  I equally appreciate all of them & the work they do & the info they
have to share with all of us.
However, I must point out that we must be thankful for anyone in a hospital
who walks & talks bf.  Breastfeeding is still an uphill battle.  I have found
out that it takes my R.N. to do a medical assessment on a baby & mom & that
is the only thing that's is going to get me through to the Dr. & hope he will
agree with me.  I can only  write his orders, not my own.
From the comments lately, I am afraid that it appears certified & tested LC's
are trying to take on the medical profession. Please don't do it, you will
lose and those that really lose out will be the moms & babies.  We need to
work real hard to get all the medical profession to encourage bf.
Regarding the lack of respect some LC's have addressed & their questioning of
changing their title. I suggest if they have formal education, add their BS
or BA to their name.  The other medical titles referred to only indicate that
beside being educated in their speciality (dietitian, PT, RT, RN, etc) these
people also have a college education.  I still haven't figured out how govt &
hist has helped me with bf or nursing, but these are the things required of a
formal education.
Regarding certification:  I did not choose to test some 13+ yrs ago.
 Obviously it would have been a lot easier then.  I am so amazed with the
difference in required hrs. for various nurses since the education difference
is basically in management.  This appears to be a discrimination directed at
nurses.  I know several CNM (some of which delivered my babies) who became a
nurse practioner through a certification program after attaining an associate
degree in nursing.  I still think their clinical skills are every bit as good
as the CNM with a master's degree.
Thank you for your time.  I felt the need to express my concerns.  I hope
everyone will work with the medical profession and win friends and not make
enemies.
Helen Eichblatt R.N.