I saw a lot less dependence on pictures this time around than when I took
the test in '85.  This may be because, as we are getting more
"international", the use of pictures is less and less appropriate.  The
appearance of thrush on a white breast - which some of us may have never
seen, the appearance of jaundice in oriental or Hispanic skin, etc. An
abcess can look very different in a black woman from Haiti than the
appearance on a red-head.

These things will need to be worked out as our profession grows and
increases in diversity.  Perhaps the requirement of 'supervised' time may
be too soon yet - and there will always be the need for exceptions - but
one of the reasons I think there has been an increase in the number of
people not passing the test is the "fudging" of the 2500 hours.  These
people know who they are - they "rounded up" their time in contact with
moms and considered telephone counseling as mother-to-mother contact.  This
diminishes the value of the IBCLC for all of us, as those who pass with
less than the necessary time and experience won't give adequate care - and
the moms will learn this and spread the word that we're NO GOOD.

Heavens only knows, where I live I'd like to have at least 10 more LC's (at
least one per hospital and more at the bigger ones) - and we'd still be too
busy - but we need to help those who want to take the test to prepare
themselves well and be ready to do their job well once they pass.

****Newest reason not to become an LC - just was told by someone that she
was asked if she wasn't afraid she'd become a Lesbian looking at all those
breasts????  <ROFL(rolling on the floor laughing)>
...Except it's really sad, too...

Jeanette Panchula, BSW, RN, IBCLC, LLLL
mailto:[log in to unmask]
Project Director - Proyecto Lacta - Puerto Rico
http://netdial.caribe.net/~prlacta/
Lactancia Materna '98 - La Mejor Inversion