Ruth,

I knew something would be wrong with this idea about moving to Manhattan.  If it
cost $2500 a month for a 2 bedroom apartment, how much would it cost for a
family of 6?!  I would love to move into an area with such an outstanding
mentoring program and real IBCLCs who are giving back to the profession,
unfortunately, I think that unless I hit the Lottery, was able to generate a
significant income while in mentoring program, or my husband landed a GREAT job,
Manhattan is out.  Sorry Ruth!  I would love to go!  Maybe I can come up and
visit, I live in PA and NY is not very far......

As for IBCLC certification, I am still trying to convince myself that there are
benefits to certification that are worth the $ and waiting to get those 3
billion documentable hours.  I would probably get the certification if I already
had the hours but if I had to go and get them, I would not.  I don't see how
certification would change your practice but the letters are nice to have.  The
ability to become a great LC is separate from becoming an IBCLC (this has been
made clear to me recently by a friend, thanks friend).  IBCLC Certification does
not make a LC any better of an LC, it just means she/he has passed an "entry
level exam."  I intend to become certified eventually but I am no longer making
it a priority; I just cannot acquire those kind of hours in the area that I live
in an amount of time that makes sense; 8 years is TOO LONG to sit and count each
hour while at least 4 (how did that go Margery?) "informationally impaired" RNs
become certified and re-certified in that time period while I work for free as
an "graduated student lactation consultant"  or "student lactation consultant."

Judi:
 If you are a Student LC during the course, why are you still considered a
"student" after graduation?  If certification is voluntary, which it is, what
are you a student of?  I would keep it as LC for graduation of the full course
of studay and BC for the 6 day and all of the other stuff if it was up to me.

Linda S.:
By the string of letters after your name I would not expect you to understand
the title debate.  Yes, IBCLC is recognized as the credential for passing the
IBLCE exam, but other than that, it's just as useless as GSLC,  SLC, BC, and
whatever else is out there.  We must keep in mind that certification is NOT
REQUIRED TO WORK IN THE FIELD OF LACTATION, IT IS VOLUNTARY.  Now, if this
upsets certain people, what are you willing to do to change that?

Getting all fired up again so I am outta here!

Melissa Brancho
Mom of four, BSC student and a broke, hard working LC forced to use an
unrecognized, meaningless title by elitist attitudes of her own profession---
had to let that out!!!!!