Referring to other IBCLCs

[Guest guest]



Hi, and other newish IBCLCs, ,

Most of us in private practice probably started similarly - with great trepidation we jumped in, took as many notes as possible, followed Chele Marmet's advice to ask a million questions, noting every little detail, even what grandma and dad said or did - in case it was important, gave whatever advice we felt confident sharing with the mother, but letting her know we were going to research her situation. Then we looked through our literature, searched Lactnet, phoned other LCs, search conference notes, kept in phone contact with the mother for updates from her and continued to fine tune and share our findings. Mothers forgive a lot when they see this kind of devotion and care paid to them. If nothing else, they feel heard and validated. There are mothers who have returned to me with 2nd or 3rd babies when I was unable to satisfactorily resolve the issue they had the 1st time around. They knew I'd knock myself out caring and trying to help. As time goes by, many of us choose to refer out because we aren't so comfortable with a specific problem, or because we know another LC who enjoys or is particularly expert at that. I have a few situations that I prefer to pass along to others for that reason and because I realize that I don't have to be expert at everything. Honestly, who could be? After a La Leche League Leader has done that work for years she has learned to listen and accept,

Jump in, the water is fine,

Anne Grider

Re: Re: induced lactation

I am torn about referring and wonder what you all think. It seems like if I keep referring any unusual cases to more experienced LCs in my area (Hi Anne!), I will always be less experienced. In my LLL work I have conferred with more experienced Leaders, and learned a lot by continuing to work with the mother. As an LC, it seems as if similar principles apply. What do you all think?

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