On Mon, 17 Jan 2005 09:22:56 -0500, Pam Hirsch, RN, BSN, CLC
<[log in to unmask]> wrote:

>Please, no flames, as this is my humble opinion.  I've often wondered why,
>from the beginning, our "profession" did not require a course of formal
>training, as is required in other professions.
>
>Pam Hirsch, RN,BSN,CLC
>Clinical Lead, Lactation Services
>Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
>Barrington, IL  USA
>
>

I don't know if this really answers your question.  I do remember there
were many volunteer breastfeeding counselors really worried about IBLCE.
They did not want to see breastfeeding support go the same way as
childbirth and become a medical-professionals-only field.

Part of the concern was that it would become illegal to give breastfeeding
help without a state license.  Just as in many states lay-midwifery became
illegal.  There was also concern that individuals with many years of hands-
on experience would be less valued than others who had more "book learning"
but less actual expertize.

-Claire Bloodgood, IBCLC

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