> I *do* strongly feel that such a 2 day bfing >course is an excellent idea for CBE's - to augment their CB classes, help >them weave wonderful bfing info throughout their series! BUT to use this >course as a springboard to calling oneself an "LC" is obviously not prudent >for all the reasons already mentioned. I agree. I just met someone yesterday whom I had heard was a "lactation specialist". What I discovered is that she is an almost-RN and a professional labor supporter. I was very impressed with her in what she does, and I certainly feel that basic hands on latch stuff is well within her realm--- no need for me/us to be territorial here! I only wish that she didn't use the term "lactation specialist", which is what ICEA is promoting for their weekend class, because they aren't! This person readily admitted to me that she does basic positioning but refers all other problems out to LCs. So we have people who have taken two day courses, one week courses, etc. all calling themselves lactation specialists. Some of these people are going to be much more qualified than others, but how will the consumer know? And then many people may assume that specialist=LC, etc. etc. I'm not comfortable with this state of affairs, and I think we desperately need some official delineation of terms and regulation of their usage. -Lisa Marasco, BA, IBCLC