One of the threads I remember as I scanned over the last month's
archives was whether enthusiasm for this work fades as our children
grow.  In my case, I can reply with a resounding "NO".  After many
years as a LLL Leader, I returned to school when my youngest entered
middle school.  I took a 2-year nursing degree with the hope of
working in OB.  Shortly after graduating, the first IBCLC exam was
offered and I took it.  It was still a couple years before I could
get a position in OB and another several years before I was able to
change from mom/baby staff nurse to LC.  Our kids are all out of the
nest and my interest is as strong as ever.  Perhaps part of it is
that none of our children are in a position to give us grandchildren
yet.  Maybe being able to work with babies helps me fill that
"void".  When I'm holding a baby to make an assessment or just while
mom is getting herself settled and ready to nurse I often say (with
tongue firmly planted in cheek) "This is the toughest part of this
job, but somebody has to do it."
I used to joke that I would still be going to LLL meetings when they
had to pick me up at the home in the "red bus".  I'm sure that even
after I retire from hospital LC work that I'll keep active in the
field in some manner as long as I'm physically and mentally able to
do so.

So, while some may move to other areas of interest, there are also
some of us for whom this will always be an exciting field of work.

Winnie Mading LLL Leader (32 years) RN (16 years) IBCLC (15 years)
RNC (10 years)  and "official" Lactation Colsultant only  (4 years)

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