Chris asked > I hope WIC IBCLCs in other states will join this discussion. The IBCLC > credential ought to be on a professional par with RD or RN, don't > you think? Yes, definitely. MOST RDs and SOME RNs promote breastfeeding, but that isn't their primary goal or training. MOST IBCLCs have at least a bachelor's degree and certainly those who don't have proven themselves very learned and intelligent just by passing the IBCLC exam! Many people are unaware of what is involved in passing the IBCLC exam. On IBCLC day I used the slide presentation that I downloaded from the website to do a presentation at the WIC team meeting for everyone. Even though I'd been going to their meetings and some of them had known me for many years, they said they were really impressed after I did the slide presentation about how much is involved in becoming and IBCLC. Of course, it didn't make any difference in the particular situation I described yesterday, which I think is a matter of WHO you know, no WHAT you know. Of course the RDs want me around to help with the breastfeeding problems that arise that they can't handle but when one of their own needed some more work and she likes breastfeeding, they gave the position to her rather than to me. Phyllis stated WIC has always wanted RDs or other dietary or nutrition credentials. That's appropriate for a food distribution program but not for Breastfeeding Counselors. The exclusion of any breastfeeding credentials in the official job descriptions for WIC Breastfeeding Counselors appears to be nation wide. Where does one go to change this? Directly to the Dept of Agriculture? It needs to state IBCLC OR RD or RN at least in our state because there are not IBCLCS employed in every area of the state who could supervise. The IBCLC should be the first choice, of course. An RD would be the second in line because they are the most likely ones, at least here, to have training in breastfeeding and an interest in promoting it. Years ago, before our agency became disorganized, they all took an advanced breastfeeding course that we offered. The change, if it is even needed (if it isn't in the New Jersey regulations as Chris states, I wonder if it is really in ours, as these are FEDERAL regulations) is not for the peer counselor but for who supervises them. Lucy Towbin, LCSW, MSW, IBCLC *********************************************** To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest) To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet All commands go to [log in to unmask] The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(R) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html