<<<Silence speaks a thousand words. The silence about the illogical attack on role of IBCLCs, which has already had a significantly negative impact on private practice IBCLCs, baffles me. In fact, in defending themselves against this attack, it has been the private practice IBCLCs who have been criticized widely for even daring to suggest that they may have a specific and unique role to play among the many and varied actors that are needed to return infant feeding to some sort of approximation of normal. Sincerely, Susan E. Burger, MHS, PhD, IBCLC>>>> I get frustrated with the confusion that the certifications, classes and the titles that go along with them cause. Then the hospitals call the positions something else. The moms can't keep it straight. I'm all for licensure and would be willing to pay the fee that goes along with it. For me, the silence is, in part, because I don't know what else to do about it. I discuss the differences to people who don't understand when the opportunity arises. I belong to ILCA, am on the email list for IBLCE and respond to all surveys. I told IBCLE that we are being undermined and our certification is losing it's impact. This topic came up a couple of months ago and it was suggested that we stop complaining and that what was being said was part of the reason IBCLCs won't ever be taken seriously. If we can't discuss it here, then where? In a field where burnout is not uncommon, people need to be able to vent and find support. When we work so hard to teach mothers and families and are then undermined by professionals and misinformation, what can we do? To work together we need to be able to discuss it somewhere. Here. As it is, helping moms with breastfeeding after they leave the hospital seems like an uphill battle. How can I possibly correct all the bad information and advice being passed on? Babies are inconvenient. They don't work on schedules and don't care about the checklist. So, I help the moms that want help. I encourage them to contact me anytime, evenings, weekends, holidays. Breastfeeding is a huge part of my life and at times it is emotionally draining. The thought of fighting against established practices can be exhausting. Help one mom at a time. That is what I do and I feel really good about it. I don't want to struggle everyday fighting against what is already in place. Is that wrong? I don't think so. I need to protect my well being so I can continue to help the moms. Allison Laverty Montag IBCLC, RLC Wisconsin, USA -- "Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we often might win, by fearing to attempt." William Shakespeare Measure for Measure *********************************************** Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html To reach list owners: [log in to unmask] Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask] COMMANDS: 1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail 2. To start it again: set lactnet mail 3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet 4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome