Guest guest Posted October 9, 2010 Report Share Posted October 9, 2010 , Just a bit of reassurance here -- some of our most outstanding, and yes, superior lactation consultants are non-RNs. Don't be intimidated by what you may hear from one person or another....look thru the roster of top-of-the-line IBCLCs, and you will be really impressed by the number of NON health care professionals there are on the list. Congratulations on what you have accomplished so far....we look forward to your joining the ranks of IBCLCs and perhaps later on in private practice. Jan Barger, RN, MA, IBCLC, FILCA www.lactationeducationconsultants.com Hello- my name is and I've been a LLLL for 3 years and a breastfeeding mom for over 7 years. I'm currently studying for the IBCLE next summer. I have just returned from Marie Biancuzzo's class a little deflated by her but not from the my classmates there. I was the only non-RN there, but I kept up and passed the mock exam with flying colors. I live in an area that has no accessible IBCLCs in my county and other than WIC no pump rentals. I am the lone LLLLeader in the area and get 5-6 calls from that a month and that is with no advertising.I not sure where I'm heading once I take the exam whether private practice but this is my passion. Taking the exam isn't as scary as taking the leap to what to do after:>) I'm not pushing forward to make money but to help mothers ( a little money would be an added bonus though) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 9, 2010 Report Share Posted October 9, 2010 That's really interesting, . I would say that at least 50% -- or perhaps more -- of our courses are non-RNs. Maybe because we welcome them??? I don't know.... I think it is really important to acknowledge the strengths of everyone that comes to the lactation consultant table!! What is important is not what you were BEFORE, but what you are making yourself into!! Jan Barger, RN, MA, IBCLC, FILCA www.lactationeducationconsultants.com I'm always the only no RN ibclc in marie's (or most other!) classes. so what? she's an awesome teacher, but sometimes she misses the boat a bit. Remember she's not a lactation consultant! Not sure why you felt put down, but it sounds like you did great in her workshop... Beebe, M.Ed., IBCLC Lactation Consultant/Postpartum Doula www.second9months.com Breastfeeding Between the Lines: http://second9months.wordpress.com/--- Subject: Re: newbie hereTo: Date: Saturday, October 9, 2010, 3:13 PM I forgot to add I have a BS also- not that its terribly important!>> Hello- my name is and I've been a LLLL for 3 years and a breastfeeding mom for over 7 years. I'm currently studying for the IBCLE next summer. I have just returned from Marie Biancuzzo's class a little deflated by her but not from the my classmates there. I was the only non-RN there, but I kept up and passed the mock exam with flying colors. > I live in an area that has no accessible IBCLCs in my county and other than WIC no pump rentals. I am the lone LLLLeader in the area and get 5-6 calls from that a month and that is with no advertising.> I not sure where I'm heading once I take the exam whether private practice but this is my passion. Taking the exam isn't as scary as taking the leap to what to do after:>) I'm not pushing forward to make money but to help mothers ( a little money would be an added bonus though)> > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 9, 2010 Report Share Posted October 9, 2010 Jan in seattle the only option for no rn's is private practice. it's not real promising to become IBCLC when there are no employment options! still, there are quite a few of us around! kind of amazing when I think about it... Beebe, M.Ed., IBCLC Lactation Consultant/Postpartum Doula www.second9months.com Breastfeeding Between the Lines: http://second9months.wordpress.com/--- Subject: Re: Re: newbie hereTo: Date: Saturday, October 9, 2010, 3:57 PM That's really interesting, . I would say that at least 50% -- or perhaps more -- of our courses are non-RNs. Maybe because we welcome them??? I don't know.... I think it is really important to acknowledge the strengths of everyone that comes to the lactation consultant table!! What is important is not what you were BEFORE, but what you are making yourself into!! Jan Barger, RN, MA, IBCLC, FILCA www.lactationeducationconsultants.com I'm always the only no RN ibclc in marie's (or most other!) classes. so what? she's an awesome teacher, but sometimes she misses the boat a bit. Remember she's not a lactation consultant! Not sure why you felt put down, but it sounds like you did great in her workshop... Beebe, M.Ed., IBCLC Lactation Consultant/Postpartum Doula www.second9months.com Breastfeeding Between the Lines: http://second9months.wordpress.com/--- Subject: Re: newbie hereTo: Date: Saturday, October 9, 2010, 3:13 PM I forgot to add I have a BS also- not that its terribly important!>> Hello- my name is and I've been a LLLL for 3 years and a breastfeeding mom for over 7 years. I'm currently studying for the IBCLE next summer. I have just returned from Marie Biancuzzo's class a little deflated by her but not from the my classmates there. I was the only non-RN there, but I kept up and passed the mock exam with flying colors. > I live in an area that has no accessible IBCLCs in my county and other than WIC no pump rentals. I am the lone LLLLeader in the area and get 5-6 calls from that a month and that is with no advertising.> I not sure where I'm heading once I take the exam whether private practice but this is my passion. Taking the exam isn't as scary as taking the leap to what to do after:>) I'm not pushing forward to make money but to help mothers ( a little money would be an added bonus though)> > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 9, 2010 Report Share Posted October 9, 2010 Have you checked all the hospitals? It is sort of like being a direct-entry midwife, which as far as I know are accepted in the Seattle area....so why not a "direct entry IBCLC"? As far as I'm concerned, the only reason hospitals want to hire RN-IBCLCs is so they can pull them to other units to work as PP RNs, or L & D or NICU or whatever. Though they would categorically deny that if asked. Also because they are short-sighted. But what do I know??? Jan Barger, RN, MA, IBCLC, FILCA www.lactationeducationconsultants.com in seattle the only option for no rn's is private practice. it's not real promising to become IBCLC when there are no employment options! still, there are quite a few of us around! kind of amazing when I think about it... Beebe, M.Ed., IBCLC Lactation Consultant/Postpartum Doula www.second9months.com Breastfeeding Between the Lines: http://second9months.wordpress.com/--- Subject: Re: Re: newbie hereTo: Date: Saturday, October 9, 2010, 3:57 PM That's really interesting, . I would say that at least 50% -- or perhaps more -- of our courses are non-RNs. Maybe because we welcome them??? I don't know.... I think it is really important to acknowledge the strengths of everyone that comes to the lactation consultant table!! What is important is not what you were BEFORE, but what you are making yourself into!! Jan Barger, RN, MA, IBCLC, FILCA www.lactationeducationconsultants.com I'm always the only no RN ibclc in marie's (or most other!) classes. so what? she's an awesome teacher, but sometimes she misses the boat a bit. Remember she's not a lactation consultant! Not sure why you felt put down, but it sounds like you did great in her workshop... Beebe, M.Ed., IBCLC Lactation Consultant/Postpartum Doula www.second9months.com Breastfeeding Between the Lines: http://second9months.wordpress.com/--- Subject: Re: newbie hereTo: Date: Saturday, October 9, 2010, 3:13 PM I forgot to add I have a BS also- not that its terribly important!>> Hello- my name is and I've been a LLLL for 3 years and a breastfeeding mom for over 7 years. I'm currently studying for the IBCLE next summer. I have just returned from Marie Biancuzzo's class a little deflated by her but not from the my classmates there. I was the only non-RN there, but I kept up and passed the mock exam with flying colors. > I live in an area that has no accessible IBCLCs in my county and other than WIC no pump rentals. I am the lone LLLLeader in the area and get 5-6 calls from that a month and that is with no advertising.> I not sure where I'm heading once I take the exam whether private practice but this is my passion. Taking the exam isn't as scary as taking the leap to what to do after:>) I'm not pushing forward to make money but to help mothers ( a little money would be an added bonus though)> > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 10, 2010 Report Share Posted October 10, 2010 I forgot to add I have a BS also- not that its terribly important! > > Hello- my name is and I've been a LLLL for 3 years and a breastfeeding mom for over 7 years. I'm currently studying for the IBCLE next summer. I have just returned from Marie Biancuzzo's class a little deflated by her but not from the my classmates there. I was the only non-RN there, but I kept up and passed the mock exam with flying colors. > I live in an area that has no accessible IBCLCs in my county and other than WIC no pump rentals. I am the lone LLLLeader in the area and get 5-6 calls from that a month and that is with no advertising. > I not sure where I'm heading once I take the exam whether private practice but this is my passion. Taking the exam isn't as scary as taking the leap to what to do after:>) I'm not pushing forward to make money but to help mothers ( a little money would be an added bonus though) > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 10, 2010 Report Share Posted October 10, 2010 I'm always the only no RN ibclc in marie's (or most other!) classes. so what? she's an awesome teacher, but sometimes she misses the boat a bit. Remember she's not a lactation consultant! Not sure why you felt put down, but it sounds like you did great in her workshop... Beebe, M.Ed., IBCLC Lactation Consultant/Postpartum Doula www.second9months.comBreastfeeding Between the Lines: http://second9months.wordpress.com/--- Subject: Re: newbie hereTo: Date: Saturday, October 9, 2010, 3:13 PM I forgot to add I have a BS also- not that its terribly important! > > Hello- my name is and I've been a LLLL for 3 years and a breastfeeding mom for over 7 years. I'm currently studying for the IBCLE next summer. I have just returned from Marie Biancuzzo's class a little deflated by her but not from the my classmates there. I was the only non-RN there, but I kept up and passed the mock exam with flying colors. > I live in an area that has no accessible IBCLCs in my county and other than WIC no pump rentals. I am the lone LLLLeader in the area and get 5-6 calls from that a month and that is with no advertising. > I not sure where I'm heading once I take the exam whether private practice but this is my passion. Taking the exam isn't as scary as taking the leap to what to do after:>) I'm not pushing forward to make money but to help mothers ( a little money would be an added bonus though) > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 10, 2010 Report Share Posted October 10, 2010 , keep in mind that marie tends to speak Nurse-ese. I just pop my hand up in those situations as ask for an English translation. It's important for people to know how to convey information clearly! Beebe, M.Ed., IBCLC Lactation Consultant/Postpartum Doula www.second9months.comBreastfeeding Between the Lines: http://second9months.wordpress.com/--- From: ibclc@... Subject: Re: newbie hereTo: Date: Saturday, October 9, 2010, 3:33 PM , Just a bit of reassurance here -- some of our most outstanding, and yes, superior lactation consultants are non-RNs. Don't be intimidated by what you may hear from one person or another....look thru the roster of top-of-the-line IBCLCs, and you will be really impressed by the number of NON health care professionals there are on the list. Congratulations on what you have accomplished so far....we look forward to your joining the ranks of IBCLCs and perhaps later on in private practice. Jan Barger, RN, MA, IBCLC, FILCA www.lactationeducationconsultants.com Hello- my name is and I've been a LLLL for 3 years and a breastfeeding mom for over 7 years. I'm currently studying for the IBCLE next summer. I have just returned from Marie Biancuzzo's class a little deflated by her but not from the my classmates there. I was the only non-RN there, but I kept up and passed the mock exam with flying colors. I live in an area that has no accessible IBCLCs in my county and other than WIC no pump rentals. I am the lone LLLLeader in the area and get 5-6 calls from that a month and that is with no advertising.I not sure where I'm heading once I take the exam whether private practice but this is my passion. Taking the exam isn't as scary as taking the leap to what to do after:>) I'm not pushing forward to make money but to help mothers ( a little money would be an added bonus though) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 10, 2010 Report Share Posted October 10, 2010 in seattle the only option for no rn's is private practice. it's not real promising to become IBCLC when there are no employment options! still, there are quite a few of us around! kind of amazing when I think about it... Beebe, M.Ed., IBCLC Lactation Consultant/Postpartum Doula www.second9months.comBreastfeeding Between the Lines: http://second9months.wordpress.com/--- Subject: Re: Re: newbie hereTo: Date: Saturday, October 9, 2010, 3:57 PM That's really interesting, . I would say that at least 50% -- or perhaps more -- of our courses are non-RNs. Maybe because we welcome them??? I don't know.... I think it is really important to acknowledge the strengths of everyone that comes to the lactation consultant table!! What is important is not what you were BEFORE, but what you are making yourself into!! Jan Barger, RN, MA, IBCLC, FILCA www.lactationeducationconsultants.com I'm always the only no RN ibclc in marie's (or most other!) classes. so what? she's an awesome teacher, but sometimes she misses the boat a bit. Remember she's not a lactation consultant! Not sure why you felt put down, but it sounds like you did great in her workshop... Beebe, M.Ed., IBCLC Lactation Consultant/Postpartum Doula www.second9months.com Breastfeeding Between the Lines: http://second9months.wordpress.com/--- Subject: Re: newbie hereTo: Date: Saturday, October 9, 2010, 3:13 PM I forgot to add I have a BS also- not that its terribly important!>> Hello- my name is and I've been a LLLL for 3 years and a breastfeeding mom for over 7 years. I'm currently studying for the IBCLE next summer. I have just returned from Marie Biancuzzo's class a little deflated by her but not from the my classmates there. I was the only non-RN there, but I kept up and passed the mock exam with flying colors. > I live in an area that has no accessible IBCLCs in my county and other than WIC no pump rentals. I am the lone LLLLeader in the area and get 5-6 calls from that a month and that is with no advertising.> I not sure where I'm heading once I take the exam whether private practice but this is my passion. Taking the exam isn't as scary as taking the leap to what to do after:>) I'm not pushing forward to make money but to help mothers ( a little money would be an added bonus though)> > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 10, 2010 Report Share Posted October 10, 2010 Yes, that's just the culture here. I don't see it changing soon. It makes me very angry. but i know everyone on this list has heard my rants about this! Beebe, M.Ed., IBCLC Lactation Consultant/Postpartum Doula www.second9months.comBreastfeeding Between the Lines: http://second9months.wordpress.com/--- Subject: Re: Re: newbie hereTo: Date: Saturday, October 9, 2010, 4:07 PM But what do I know??? Jan Barger, RN, MA, IBCLC, FILCA www.lactationeducationconsultants.com > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 17, 2010 Report Share Posted October 17, 2010 I get so discouraged whenever anyone jumps on board the RN bandwagon and decides to get an RN because she wants to be an IBCLC!! If you want to be an RN, then that is fine, but if you want to be an IBCLC, then you need to support your own profession by accepting that an IBCLC is a profession unto itself. ly, I do not think that the onslaught of IBCLCs into hospitals did much to improve breastfeeding outcomes in the US, bc they were often RNs who were encouraged (and financially supported) by their hospitals to become IBCLCs for the sole purpose of marketing! They were often not utilized as IBCLCs at all and many, IMO, have so little experience and skill beyond the pp period that they actually may have become part of the problem rather than the solution. I think we weaken our profession when we cave to the RN requisite and we make it more and more likely that IBCLC will fade away into an add-on credential rather than a full-fledged profession. What other profession requires that you be a member of another profession to practice it? This is simply the medical model trying to impede a holistic model, just as it has done to midwifery. As to Marie's course--this is not a reflection on her--but I did no more than 10-12 hours prep for my first exam and I took her course the second time. It was a huge class with a lot of RNs. It was, IMO, reflective of a highly medicalized view of breastfeeding and of the profession. I believe that Marie is personally supportive of non-RNs individually, but not in the context of the course at all. That is exactly why I took the course. I practice holistically and I think the test is too easy for medical people and too geared toward knowing things that don't matter and not knowing things that do. Especially once you have practiced for many years. I mean no disrespect, but I took the course to dumb myself down for the test. I never think in the medical model and I have to be reminded as to how it is done. Anyway, I got high scores both times--better the second I think bc of my experience--but I filled the test book with my comments on the questions. Personally, I want to see this profession move away from medicalization and toward holism. I want the test to reflect that reality. I am so done with the medicalization of being a woman. IMO, when that ends, IBCLCs need no longer worry about the value of our credential and women will get better care and babies will nurse a lot longer. Tow, IBCLC, CT, USA (til the end of the month, then Toulouse FR) > > Hello- my name is and I've been a LLLL for 3 years and a breastfeeding mom for over 7 years. I'm currently studying for the IBCLE next summer. I have just returned from Marie Biancuzzo's class a little deflated by her but not from the my classmates there. I was the only non-RN there, but I kept up and passed the mock exam with flying colors. > I live in an area that has no accessible IBCLCs in my county and other than WIC no pump rentals. I am the lone LLLLeader in the area and get 5-6 calls from that a month and that is with no advertising. > I not sure where I'm heading once I take the exam whether private practice but this is my passion. Taking the exam isn't as scary as taking the leap to what to do after:>) I'm not pushing forward to make money but to help mothers ( a little money would be an added bonus though) > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 18, 2010 Report Share Posted October 18, 2010 , With all due respect......... i do not want to get defensive so I'm trying to think through how your post makes me feel. Yes being an RN has nothing to do with being an IBCLC. I have never personally meet a IBCLC who does not have tremendous passion for this work, no matter what initials she may have next to her name. I just can't imagine how being an hospital based IBCLC would have a negative impact on breastfeeding outcomes. I personally have had to beg for YEARS to create every lactation position that i hold. No way were they giving me anything, I wrote 10 proposals over 10 years. I have never personally meet an RN that that became an IBCLC for marketing purposes. I work in the hospital AND I have a private practice for 16 + years and have to work hard for all of it. And yes marketing is huge and I market all the time. I market breastfeeding. I tell my clients that I'm a good saleswoman, just like my father. I try and sell breastfeeding until women fall in love with it. I also just got a grant to open an outpatient clinic. I am personally thrilled that i can actually make a living as a LC and i'm very grateful. Yes there are people (LCs) that know a lot less then me AND there are also LC's that know more then me. This is just the normal bell curve and I just can't see how being a IBCLC in the hospital would not help women to breastfeed. We all want the same thing. For all women to nurture there children through breastfeeding. Also, as a LC in the hospital I do exactly as i please, no pressure to say or not say anything. I NEVER work as a RN even though I've been an RN for 23 years. I have total freedom to talk about herbs, domperidone, anything. The hospital NEVER asks me to do anything except continue to be an expert in my field. In 2008 the theme for WBW was " Going for the gold " . In this document a really wonderful concept emerged: Helping women to breastfeed means: 1. working with women at the hospital (Health Care/Support Service) 2. Family and Social networks 3. Workplace and Employment 4. Response to crisis and Emergency 5. Government and legislative support. The medical model, like it or not, is a part of the circle of support. Now i have never been to Marie B course simply because in all the years i've been doing this work she has not done the lecture circuit nor been on Lactnet etc. She is an educator and not in the trenches. The beauty of working in the hospital is that i can BRING a holistic approach into each and every room. I can help women transition from a medicalize experience to one of love and support. It really is amazing. So I guess i'm one of those medical people, but also soooo much more. I can't change your opinion no do i need too. I just felt you might be interested in expanding your perspective. Much love and gratitude for ALL we do. Star Siegfried RN,BA,IBCLC Board Certified Lactation Consultant The Nursing Centre 317 Third St, Eureka, CA 95521 http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/humboldtbaybaby/ http://www.facebook.com/pages/Eureka-ca/The-Nursing-Centre/185668856008?v=info > > > > Hello- my name is and I've been a LLLL for 3 years and a breastfeeding mom for over 7 years. I'm currently studying for the IBCLE next summer. I have just returned from Marie Biancuzzo's class a little deflated by her but not from the my classmates there. I was the only non-RN there, but I kept up and passed the mock exam with flying colors. > > I live in an area that has no accessible IBCLCs in my county and other than WIC no pump rentals. I am the lone LLLLeader in the area and get 5-6 calls from that a month and that is with no advertising. > > I not sure where I'm heading once I take the exam whether private practice but this is my passion. Taking the exam isn't as scary as taking the leap to what to do after:>) I'm not pushing forward to make money but to help mothers ( a little money would be an added bonus though) > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 20, 2010 Report Share Posted October 20, 2010 Star, I worked in a hospital where the nurses were recruited to become IBCLCs and one RN who gave birth to her 2nd baby shortly after passing her exam " tried for a few days to bf " and then AF her baby bc breastfeeding " just wasn't for her " . That is not a story I made up. It happened. Of the dozen nurses who passed the exam that year, I would say that less than half were " passionate " about breastfeeding. Another IBCLC was great at moving for policy to support bf, except that having no personal experience herself (not this this would always be a factor by any means) she was extremely ineffective with assisting moms. She knew the material, but could not apply it. In the other hospital where I began a pilot program one of the IBCLCs had three children whom she had never bf bc " it wasn't for her " . I know other LCs like you who bust their butts to make changes in hospitals and have a very positive impact on policy and moms and babies. But I also know far too many who have too little time and too many constraints imposed on them (not that they like it that way!), but bc they do they cannot be effective. What happens next is that moms often do not seek further assistance bc they already saw an LC and cannot imagine that anyone else could do anything more. This is especially a barrier when they have to pay for those additional services. Other hospital-based LCs I know just do not have the experience required to be effective, but they don't know it. And, I am sorry, but they don't tend to want to know it. I have seen the same hospital-based LCs for years giving the same misinformation and wonder how they are so insulated from accurate information. What I am saying is that when mothers get help in hospital from someone who is either poorly educated or simply unable to provide thorough care (no matter how much she cares to), that mother is at a significant disadvantage bc she will be less inclined to expect any better care from anyone else within the profession and might be terribly wary to pay for services she has already found to be ineffective with someone else. I do believe that mothers are more likely to initiate bf'ing if LCs are available. I am terribly dubious as to whether such services across the board have a positive impact on duration, however. How can they when, for example, in the biggest hospital in my area LCs are not allowed to refer for posterior TT or birth trauma? So, those moms might go home breastfeeding, but how long will it be before they wean, thinking they failed, bc they got help and it just didn't work out? Tow, IBCLC > > , > With all due respect......... > i do not want to get defensive so I'm trying to think through how your post makes me feel. > > Yes being an RN has nothing to do with being an IBCLC. I have never personally meet a IBCLC who does not have tremendous passion for this work, no matter what initials she may have next to her name. > > I just can't imagine how being an hospital based IBCLC would have a negative impact on breastfeeding outcomes. I personally have had to beg for YEARS to create every lactation position that i hold. No way were they giving me anything, I wrote 10 proposals over 10 years. > > I have never personally meet an RN that that became an IBCLC for marketing purposes. > > I work in the hospital AND I have a private practice for 16 + years and have to work hard for all of it. And yes marketing is huge and I market all the time. I market breastfeeding. I tell my clients that I'm a good saleswoman, just like my father. I try and sell breastfeeding until women fall in love with it. I also just got a grant to open an outpatient clinic. > > I am personally thrilled that i can actually make a living as a LC and i'm very grateful. > Yes there are people (LCs) that know a lot less then me AND there are also LC's that know more then me. This is just the normal bell curve and I just can't see how being a IBCLC in the hospital would not help women to breastfeed. > > We all want the same thing. For all women to nurture there children through breastfeeding. > > Also, as a LC in the hospital I do exactly as i please, no pressure to say or not say anything. I NEVER work as a RN even though I've been an RN for 23 years. I have total freedom to talk about herbs, domperidone, anything. The hospital NEVER asks me to do anything except continue to be an expert in my field. > > In 2008 the theme for WBW was " Going for the gold " . In this document a really wonderful concept emerged: Helping women to breastfeed means: 1. working with women at the hospital (Health Care/Support Service) 2. Family and Social networks 3. Workplace and Employment 4. Response to crisis and Emergency 5. Government and legislative support. The medical model, like it or not, is a part of the circle of support. > > Now i have never been to Marie B course simply because in all the years i've been doing this work she has not done the lecture circuit nor been on Lactnet etc. She is an educator and not in the trenches. > > The beauty of working in the hospital is that i can BRING a holistic approach into each and every room. I can help women transition from a medicalize experience to one of love and support. It really is amazing. > > So I guess i'm one of those medical people, but also soooo much more. > > I can't change your opinion no do i need too. I just felt you might be interested in expanding your perspective. > > Much love and gratitude for ALL we do. > > Star Siegfried RN,BA,IBCLC > Board Certified Lactation Consultant > The Nursing Centre > 317 Third St, Eureka, CA 95521 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 20, 2010 Report Share Posted October 20, 2010 I know what you're saying, . Several times a year a mom will ask me, "how are you different from the hospital LC" or something similar. Usually all I have to say is, "i will spend 1.5 hours with you and be available by phone after the consultation." Then I hear an "ooooohhhhhh". I always wonder about all the mothers who DON'T call. The good hospital LC's express frustration to me that they wish they had more time to do a decent job with the patients. the ones who don't care, well, just don't care. but I would say most do really care but their hands are tied by the institution. Beebe, M.Ed., IBCLC Lactation Consultant/Postpartum Doula www.second9months.comBreastfeeding Between the Lines: http://second9months.wordpress.com/--- Subject: Re: newbie hereTo: Date: Tuesday, October 19, 2010, 7:49 PM Star, I worked in a hospital where the nurses were recruited to become IBCLCs and one RN who gave birth to her 2nd baby shortly after passing her exam "tried for a few days to bf" and then AF her baby bc breastfeeding "just wasn't for her". That is not a story I made up. It happened. Of the dozen nurses who passed the exam that year, I would say that less than half were "passionate" about breastfeeding. Another IBCLC was great at moving for policy to support bf, except that having no personal experience herself (not this this would always be a factor by any means) she was extremely ineffective with assisting moms. She knew the material, but could not apply it. In the other hospital where I began a pilot program one of the IBCLCs had three children whom she had never bf bc "it wasn't for her". I know other LCs like you who bust their butts to make changes in hospitals and have a very positive impact on policy and moms and babies. But I also know far too many who have too little time and too many constraints imposed on them (not that they like it that way!), but bc they do they cannot be effective. What happens next is that moms often do not seek further assistance bc they already saw an LC and cannot imagine that anyone else could do anything more. This is especially a barrier when they have to pay for those additional services. Other hospital-based LCs I know just do not have the experience required to be effective, but they don't know it. And, I am sorry, but they don't tend to want to know it. I have seen the same hospital-based LCs for years giving the same misinformation and wonder how they are so insulated from accurate information. What I am saying is that when mothers get help in hospital from someone who is either poorly educated or simply unable to provide thorough care (no matter how much she cares to), that mother is at a significant disadvantage bc she will be less inclined to expect any better care from anyone else within the profession and might be terribly wary to pay for services she has already found to be ineffective with someone else. I do believe that mothers are more likely to initiate bf'ing if LCs are available. I am terribly dubious as to whether such services across the board have a positive impact on duration, however. How can they when, for example, in the biggest hospital in my area LCs are not allowed to refer for posterior TT or birth trauma? So, those moms might go home breastfeeding, but how long will it be before they wean, thinking they failed, bc they got help and it just didn't work out? Tow, IBCLC > > , > With all due respect......... > i do not want to get defensive so I'm trying to think through how your post makes me feel. > > Yes being an RN has nothing to do with being an IBCLC. I have never personally meet a IBCLC who does not have tremendous passion for this work, no matter what initials she may have next to her name. > > I just can't imagine how being an hospital based IBCLC would have a negative impact on breastfeeding outcomes. I personally have had to beg for YEARS to create every lactation position that i hold. No way were they giving me anything, I wrote 10 proposals over 10 years. > > I have never personally meet an RN that that became an IBCLC for marketing purposes. > > I work in the hospital AND I have a private practice for 16 + years and have to work hard for all of it. And yes marketing is huge and I market all the time. I market breastfeeding. I tell my clients that I'm a good saleswoman, just like my father. I try and sell breastfeeding until women fall in love with it. I also just got a grant to open an outpatient clinic. > > I am personally thrilled that i can actually make a living as a LC and i'm very grateful. > Yes there are people (LCs) that know a lot less then me AND there are also LC's that know more then me. This is just the normal bell curve and I just can't see how being a IBCLC in the hospital would not help women to breastfeed. > > We all want the same thing. For all women to nurture there children through breastfeeding. > > Also, as a LC in the hospital I do exactly as i please, no pressure to say or not say anything. I NEVER work as a RN even though I've been an RN for 23 years. I have total freedom to talk about herbs, domperidone, anything. The hospital NEVER asks me to do anything except continue to be an expert in my field. > > In 2008 the theme for WBW was "Going for the gold". In this document a really wonderful concept emerged: Helping women to breastfeed means: 1. working with women at the hospital (Health Care/Support Service) 2. Family and Social networks 3. Workplace and Employment 4. Response to crisis and Emergency 5. Government and legislative support. The medical model, like it or not, is a part of the circle of support. > > Now i have never been to Marie B course simply because in all the years i've been doing this work she has not done the lecture circuit nor been on Lactnet etc. She is an educator and not in the trenches. > > The beauty of working in the hospital is that i can BRING a holistic approach into each and every room. I can help women transition from a medicalize experience to one of love and support. It really is amazing. > > So I guess i'm one of those medical people, but also soooo much more. > > I can't change your opinion no do i need too. I just felt you might be interested in expanding your perspective. > > Much love and gratitude for ALL we do. > > Star Siegfried RN,BA,IBCLC > Board Certified Lactation Consultant > The Nursing Centre > 317 Third St, Eureka, CA 95521 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.