CLC certification

[Guest guest]

I am currently both a CLC and and IBCLC.   I took the CLC course three years ago because I thought it would help my postpartum doula business.  After taking that class and breezing through the exam, I was so arrogant in my new breastfeeding knowledge.  I honestly thought I knew just about as much as an IBCLC.    

I did decide to go ahead and pursue the IBCLC designation (hoping to do just lactation work and drop the doula'ing) and it was not until I began my coursework and clinical hours towards that goal that I realized just how LITTLE that the CLC course had taught me.

I do think the Healthy Children's Center for Breastfeeding CLC course is great for doulas, midwives, OBs and pediatricians.. it gives a great overview of breastfeeding basics and counseling the nursing mother.. but they do need, in my opinion, to stress that their certification is NOT as in-depth as, and does not confer a scope of practice equal to an IBCLC.

Now that I am an IBCLC and starting my own PP, I read through the postings on this board and others or talk with my mentors, and am amazed at how very much I still have to learn.

 Tina Carlson, CLC, IBCLC

[Guest guest]

Tina, I agree. I took that course and was very proud of my accomplishment. But soon learned, it was just the tip of the ice berg! They did stress in the beginning of the class that we will earn COUNSeLOR NOT CONSULTANT. But did not really elaborate further. To me this would be a great forum to educate lots of professionals on the difference.Sent from my iPhone

I am currently both a CLC and and IBCLC. I took the CLC course three years ago because I thought it would help my postpartum doula business. After taking that class and breezing through the exam, I was so arrogant in my new breastfeeding knowledge. I honestly thought I knew just about as much as an IBCLC.

I did decide to go ahead and pursue the IBCLC designation (hoping to do just lactation work and drop the doula'ing) and it was not until I began my coursework and clinical hours towards that goal that I realized just how LITTLE that the CLC course had taught me.

I do think the Healthy Children's Center for Breastfeeding CLC course is great for doulas, midwives, OBs and pediatricians.. it gives a great overview of breastfeeding basics and counseling the nursing mother.. but they do need, in my opinion, to stress that their certification is NOT as in-depth as, and does not confer a scope of practice equal to an IBCLC.

Now that I am an IBCLC and starting my own PP, I read through the postings on this board and others or talk with my mentors, and am amazed at how very much I still have to learn.

Tina Carlson, CLC, IBCLC