In regards to all the "wanna bee" LCs, why not be a peer counselor? LLLI has training for those wanting to train PC's and some WIC programs train PC's. My IBCLC mentor and I trained 15 counselors last fall and have a list of 10-15 more waiting to be trained now. Ours are volunteers who work with me in the hospital and also work with WIC moms at the WIC office. Some programs have a budget to pay the counselors. Most of my PCs don't mind working for free. Some are hoping to use their hours towards sitting the IBLCE. I started as a PC 13 years ago while on WIC and nursing my twins. Texas Dept. of Health has a 20 hour Peer Counselor training and other programs. They are always willing to share their resources. Finding a mentor is also agood idea. I had a wonderful peer/mentor help me get through all the studying I did to sit the exam. She and I could always bounce ideas and questions off of each other. We started a Follow-up visit program for bf mothers,the PC program, and a monthly support group. Between the two of us we always had a good idea. Hope this helps, kim Hansen, RN, BSN, IBCLC