Hi, everyone. Please forgive my previous on non-LCs if anyone found it offensive. I was in PMS mode, and this may have colored the tone, and I would like to explain what I was really trying to say. The more I read of the personal difficulties encountered by those on the Net with LC - non-LC issues (and finally caught on that what was REALLY the issue was IBCLC vs non-IBCLC), the greater became my appreciation of your serious problem. A private communication I received from Yaffa Stark, who once lived in Beer Sheva for a few years, so knows a little better where I'M coming from, also furthered my understanding. I stand on what I said or at least MEANT to say previously, that you people (meaning those in the US) who are involved with the IBCLC, should believe in what you've started, because it is very, very important. You are literally making history, and I am very proud to be in communication with you, sharing your thoughts and being beneficiary to your expertise. Darn, I sound so pompous and patronizing. That's just the way I write. Trust me on this, in person I'm not the same. I speak as a person who regards herself as a lactation counsellor who knows her limitations, who lives outside the US, but who is growing more appreciative of the problems faced by LCs in the States (you see, I was jealous for a long time of you guys, thinking you had it all made - after all, at least lactation consultancy is recognized in the States), and of course I hope that it is clear that what I write is my opinion only, and not necessarily reflects the opinion or experience of any other Israeli LC. With this in mind, I just want to say that I would like to hope that, when this issue is settled by IBCLC, and I devoutly hope that it will be the IBCLC to settle it, together with the other health professions, that those living outside of the US will be taken into consideration. As a f'rinstance, there is not much chance for us in Israel, at least, to get a lot of experience with various pumps and other bfing aids. They simply are not available, or we are dependent upon a hospital's good graces. It is difficult for some "foreigners" to go to or attend conferences needed for continuing education or to qualify to take the IBCLC. Clinical hours may be an insurmountable problem for some people really worthy and anxious to get their IBCLC. I just realized that I really added to your burden, and I really didn't mean to. However, if the "International" wants to remain international, you have to bear in mind cultural bias when history is being hammered out and our profession becomes more clearly defined and understood world-wide. Perhaps what is needed is several levels of the profession, with varying competencies (do I understand correctly that this is the meaning of "entry level"?). Eg, since I am not allowed in the hospital and most nurses at my hospital are hostile, I have almost no contact with preemies, pumps or very early problems in bfing. A lot of my work is trying to undo hospital foul-ups or misunderstandings engendered by hospital policies. I have learned a lot on the Net, but certainly do not for a second imagine that this makes me competent to deal with certain problems. Reactions, anyone? My very personal feeling is that I would love to be "international board certified", but on a lower competency level than the present IBCLC. Does this make sense to anyone? I am always cheered when I see how few "provincianalists" (where are you, Webster?) there are on the Net. I think Lactnet is the greatest! I hope that my position can be understood. I sometimes have difficulty understanding it myself.....Sorry this was so long. Had to unburden myself. Regards, Judy Knopf