Okay, there are a couple of posts I should probably be doing right now, but I really feel like I need to put this suggestion out there now. I saw several people at the Breastfeeding Summit that were looking for a class to take to prepare them to sit for the IBCLC Exam. As I engaged in conversation and learned about their background and experience, I told them to quit looking and start studying.
My advice is based on the changes coming up in 2012. If you are experienced in lactation and have sat beside many moms helping them, don't be intimidated by a test. If you are a competent lactation educator/counselor, you do not need to worry about an evaluation of your skills and knowledge. I know the Exam can be intimidating and if you haven't had "formal" education, it can cause you to doubt yourself--don't let it! No instruction can replace experience. I have also talked students out of taking the exam because they may have met the qualifications, but were not ready to be lactation consultants. If you are ready, go for it, but if you are not--prepare. Decide where you are personally.
You may be the complete opposite: loads of experience, but lacking some CEU's or maybe even short a few counseling hours. I would rather see you grab some CEU's from the web, LLL conference or other conferences and add a day of counseling so you have the requirements in order to be ready to test this year.
Next year, you will be required to take college courses and it could really hinder your progress towards sitting for the exam. Not only the time it will take, but the expense. Weigh your options. If you can get your act together by the application deadline--consider this blog a "kick in the pants", if there is no way, consider this a reminder to start looking for college courses or on-line courses so you do not get caught unprepared next year.
Okay, I said it, if you can take the exam this year because you have (or can get) the CEU's and counseling hours--go for it! Purchase the Core Curriculum, Counseling the Nursing Mom and Breastfeeding and Human Lactation. Read, study, observe and sit with confidence. If nothing else, it will take the "fear of the unknown" out of sitting in 2012. You will not loose anything (well, maybe the investment, but you can also still apply for a scholarship until January 31).
One person that stopped by my table at the Summit thought it was funny that I talked her out of taking my class and into sitting for the exam this year. I guess I haven't made it clear that my goal is to help everyone where they are at. If you are ready, I will encourage you to take the next step; if you need preparation, I will prepare you; if you need prodding...I can do that too! Let me know what direction you will be going, and remember--always enjoy the journey!
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