I used to think I knew a lot about breastfeeding. In my first job out of college, I was forced to become a “breastfeeding counselor.” And I loved it. Over the years, I went to lactation conferences, studied the textbooks, and counseled pregnant and nursing mothers. I completed the training to become a Certified Lactation Educator (CLE).
Then, I had a baby.
I was determined to breastfeed, but his determination to NOT breastfeed nearly won. I needed support, information, hands-on expert help. We’re now happily nursing, and I have developed a deep respect for both the nursing relationship and the amazing substance that is human milk.
My Background
I am a Registered Dietitian, with an undergraduate Nutrition and Dietetics degree from Messiah College, and a Masters of Public Health from UCLA. Most of my career has been about pediatric nutrition. I’ve worked in both the clinical (pediatric acute and intensive care) and public health settings. These experiences are what led me to obtain my Certified Lactation Educator credentials. I am not a Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), the gold standard in lactation expertise, although that’s a long-term goal.
About This Blog
I hope this space will become a place of support, information, and discussion. Join me. I would love to hear from anyone who reads this. Share your experiences and thoughts. Breastfeeding or not.
Hello Christina!
I think it is time to take the IBCLE and get your IBCLC . How much counseling experience have you acquired by now? Probably enough to take the exam – have you looked into it? Set a goal for July 2010!
Forced to become a counselor? Yikes – sounds harsh.
“Amazing substance that is human milk” – all babies deserve it!
Glad your baby got mom’s mIlk.
Cathy, you are my hero. Thanks for turning me into a breastfeeding counselor. I learned much from you, and your enthusiasm for breastfeeding education inspired me!
I do have enough practice hours to meet the requirements to sit for the exam. But most of that is talking and teaching, and not enough “hands-on” helping babies learn to latch and solve problems. There’s a fantastic, rigorous program offered through UC San Diego that I’d like to take next year, and then sit for the exam in 2011.
Take a look at some of the practice exams out there and look at the IBCLE web site on the other areas on the exam such as ethics, statistics – you will have plenty of food for thought. And lots of learning baby development while being a mommy — such a fantastic career in itself!!!
Love and enjoy that little person!!!
PS is this your site? Did you design and develop this? WOW