Thanks to all who have contributed to this discussion. I have enjoyed hearing the variety of ways many of you have chosen to work out the roles of being an LLLL and an LC in your daily lives. I was disturbed to hear from some that they felt resented by local LLLLs for having "turned traitor" or for daring to accept fees for service. On the one hand, some may not appreciate the very real expense of obtaining and maintaining IBCLC credentials. After spending so many hours and dollars on accreditation, an LC would naturally hope to see some return on his/her investment. On the other hand, I suspect some people are just generally wary of what could be perceived as an undue medicalization of breastfeeding and breastfeeding support. Although I myself am interested in the possibility of becoming an LC some years in the future (I like the subject, the goal of mother and baby advocacy in the face of an unfriendly medical establishment, and the idea of having a home-based business), I am sometimes uncomfortable with the idea that only those with "credentials" are qualified to give breastfeeding advice. For example, one recent post (sorry, I lost the name of the poster) described a new father noticing the LC's IBCLC certificate, and telling his weeping wife "I think we came to the right place, honey." How heart-warming to be able to offer such reassurance to troubled new parents--and how sad that they are only reassured by a certificate suitable for framing. The LC went on to describe how the baby was sucking well within 2 minutes "with minimal assistance." Surely this was a situation where IBCLC credentials were not essential to solve the problem. And yet, in the absence of finding an IBCLC, those parents might have thought their case hopeless, and weaned their baby prematurely. I know that my fellow Lactnetters would NOT agree that credentials are essential to solving many problems, but I worry about a general public that increasingly believes in the cult of the expert, and discounts all else. Advocates of midwifery, homeschooling, etc. are still fighting battles to prove that a college degree and a certifying exam are not needed to deliver babies, educate children... Just some thoughts (sorry if I've rambled too long). Any feedback would be appreciated. Penny Piercy, LLLL, MOM (Patrick 2 1/2) from Bloomington, IN