LACTNET Archives

Lactation Information and Discussion

LACTNET@COMMUNITY.LSOFT.COM

Options: Use Forum View

Use Monospaced Font
Show Text Part by Default
Show All Mail Headers

Message: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]
Topic: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]
Author: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]

Print Reply
Subject:
From:
Terriann Shell <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Sat, 28 Dec 1996 17:51:04 -0800
Content-Type:
text/plain
Parts/Attachments:
text/plain (34 lines)
Sorry not to share the enthuiasm about creating an "LC intern"
designation.  I feel that adding another "title" would confuse the
medical profession and parents even more.  How would this title differ in
their eyes from a lactation counselor, lactation therapist, lactation
consultant, lactation specialist, IBCLC or any other title we currently
see being used ?  I see us still struggling to differentiate ourselves
from the volunteer breastfeeding groups that many HCP's and mothers see
as doing the same work as we do but for free.  It is not too long
ago that those who took a one week course would call themselves
lactation counsultants.  Don't you feel that most volunteer breastfeeding
counselors would and should be able to easily pass this "intern exam"?
Lowering the IBLCE standards and adding another title will not gain us
better recognition or acceptance.  Why water down the only certification
we have?

The IBLCE exam is an entry level exam but signifies a level of learning
and experience.  If you take away that experience requirement, you lose
the most important part of your education.  I now look back and see all
that I didn't know when I first took the exam and passed (even with a lot
of experience).  The hands on experience is where I learned most of my
real breastfeeding knowledge and taught me how to counsel so that mothers
will accept what you teach.  It is extremely hard for some of us to gain
that experience in the time frame we desire, but adding another minor
title I don't see as the answer.  What we need is more mentorship
programs as others have said.

There does need to be something worked out for those who are outside the
US, in impoverished countries to help certify those who cannot meet the
financial requirement.  A good scholorship program or a sliding scale are
two ways of doing this.

Terriann Shell in 20 below (F) in Big Lake, Alaska, enjoying a white
Christmas running our sled dogs.

ATOM RSS1 RSS2