I want to add my two cents'worth to the comments about questionable
motivation to sit the IBLCE exam.

In my opinion, the IBLCE exam has been and continues to be the
biggest motivator anyone ever invented to get large numbers of people
to study breastfeeding and lactation in ways few bothered to do
pre-1985.  In some ways, this has been the major contribution the
IBLCE exam has made to the breastfeeding scene.  I have been around
long enough to know that health professionals did not "study" this
specialist aspect of their work before there was a piece of paper to
go with it.  And to be amazed at how many HPs are now born-again
breastfeeding supporters.

Don't ever give up hope about would-be IBCLCs who don't seem to care
about breastfeeding.  You underestimate our colleagues, the
inspiring lactation educators; the wonderful texts we have nowdays;
and the basic facts about breastfeeding that speak for themselves
once someone tunes in.   I have spoken with dozens of people who
initially only wanted the "piece of paper" but felt they had to study
because of the potential shame of failing. They got hooked, got
interested, and before they knew it they were as pro-breastfeeding as
the rest of us. Some of them started out believing they knew it all
and then put off doing the exam for a year or two when they realised
how much study they had ahead of them.

Ros Escott
IBLCE Regional Administrator (South Pacific and Asia)