Dearest Lactnetters- It is so evident from the posts of the past week that we ourselves are struggling with the most basic issues of our profession. The dialogue is good; it is necessary to sort things out. Let us remember that we are all in this together and need each other. LCs need BF volunteers. Private practice LCs build on the start that hospital LCs give to new families. Our roles are complementary, and when we all embrace one another, everyone benefits. I believe that to be a *professional* lactation consultant, the IBCLE must be taken. However, I also believe that the standards for taking the exam need to be raised. The biggest gap I see is in supervised clinical hours. We should require internships, as well as coursework in all of the various aspects of the profession. Chris Mulford so eloquently explained the need for comprehensive education in all aspects of our chosen profession. The internship will provide the hands-on, eyes-on, modeling experience that is, IMHO, imperative. Once we change the educational and experiential requirements, will all IBCLCs be wonderful practitioners? Of course not. I agree with those who remind us that sitting medical boards does not make a good doctor. But good doctors (nurses, therapists, etc), get a good reputation. People seek out their expertise. How do YOU choose a health care provider? (Or a mechanic, hair stylist, plumber?) You probably ask the advice of someone you trust. I recognize that not all physicians are good doctors, but I wouldn't take my family to one who hadn't even taken the boards (or had some supervised hands- on experience). Become an excellent practitioner and you will have clients. Unfortunately, we will probably also need a disciplinary board at some point to help insure that practitioners who do not follow the standards of practice are no longer IBCLC. Where does this leave the breastfeeding support volunteers who want to learn all they can about breastfeeding but do not want to become breastfeeding professionals? Welcome. Welcome to provide support, guidance, and referrals to professionals when needed. Our roles mesh beautifully together. There is no threat here. -Debi Page Ferrarello, RN, IBCLC Abington, PA