I have been quite interested in the discussion about having IBCLC initials
vs. CLC, LLLL, etc.  As an LLL Leader that has the responsibility of of
supporting and educating the Leaders in her state, I do know that in the
volunteer force, we have many, multi-talented women.

The uniqueness of La Leche League is the mother-to-mother support.
Certainly there is a definite place for that sort of support AND there is a
place for IBCLCs that are needed in hospitals, clinical settings, and
private practice.  I know Leaders that wear both hats and do both very well.
They work as LCs to supplement the family income, but are also volunteers
that can still provide the mother-to-mother support as an LLL Leader.

Yes, La Leche League did provide the beginnings for the standard of the
exams.  But La Leche League has been there to empower women for over forty
years.

I for one, appreciate the standards of the IBCLC exam.  I too, am studying
to take the exam.  When I talk to my close friends about my plans, they ask
me if they too could take the exam and work as an IBCLC in the future.  I
then try to explain that the process isn't that easy.  When I explain the
requirements and contact hours required, they then have a healthy respect
for what the profession is.  Having been an LLL Leader for fourteen years
has taught me so much!  Being in an administrative role has been invaluable!
I have loved being the volunteer and working with mothers!  Helping mothers
has been my passion.

I also let anyone else from the "outside" know that I couldn't have received
the training nor the education I have had anywhere else.  Working with a
multitude of situations and with so many different women has taught me many
lessons that couldn't be learned in any other forum.

I hope that when I take (and hopefully pass) the exam, that when I get into
a job situation my experience will help me be a caring, compassionate,
supportive LC tempered with the knowledge and training to help mothers
breastfeed their babies.

I also have the desire to keep on learning and expanding my knowledge.  It's
funny, my sisters and family often ask me "Exactly how much more can you
learn about breastfeeding?"  They just don't understand.  : )

I am attending a Lactation Specialist Workshop designed to prepare for the
exam.  The WIC clinic I teach breastfeeding classes at is sponsoring me to
attend.  The nurse at the WIC clinic told me that after the workshop, I will
receive a CLC certificate and that I wouldn't need to bother then with the
IBCLC since that exam is expensive.  I told her that I wanted the IBCLC and
that was my goal.  She still didn't quite understand, but thought those
credentials would also suffice.

So, I guess that each one of us have different goals.  Perhaps the important
thing is whether you reach your goal or not.

Thanks for allowing me to share.


Warmly,

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Connie Chiavario
Area Coordinator of Leaders
La Leche League of Illinois

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