I love being an IBCLC, and after 14 years of continuous practice, doing
nothing but LC work, I love it more than when I started.  Why?  It is
incredibly diverse.  The problem solving is challenging and calls upon my
intellect to stay sharp and observant.  The interaction with very nice,
committed individuals is rewarding.  I love hearing back a year later that
someone who has had a "train wreck" initiation is still nursing their baby
and has had a happy time after all.  The opportunities for varied types of
work are many.  I can teach what I know.  I can develop materials to help
others teach.  I can work hands on with moms and babies.  I can write up
cases as articles.  I can write commentaries.  I can do research.  I can
involve myself in coalition and professional organization work to change the
culture in my community and to influence policy.  I find it very exciting to
be in a new field with lots of original and foundation work still to be
done.  I think we have some of the finest women and men in the world working
in this field, with some of the finest scientific minds.  I think it is
wonderful to be part of a pioneering effort.  There are virtually no limits
to where one might take an interest in human lactation.  The only down side
is that it can still be challenging to make a living (esp as a novice), but
after many years building a diverse practice, I now make a reasonable living
working solely as an LC.

Barbara Wilson-Clay, BS, IBCLC
Austin Lactation Associates
LactNews Press
www.lactnews.com

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