My father was always quick to quote Mark Twain: “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” Not surprisingly, my father worked until the day he died, just shy of his 82nd birthday. He was physically able, and mentally as sharp as a Read more…
Did you get a letter or email saying that you’re due to recertify your IBCLC credential? If so, be sure you know the requirements, and your options. What are the recertification requirements? The IBCLC credential is valid for a 5-year period. You must recertify by exam at least once every Read more…
Okay, I admit, the title for this post might not be quite right. Because the “most” important category is the category where you have the most weaknesses! (And I’ve had plenty to say about what’s most important to study.) In my experience, some groups of people have greater weaknesses in Read more…
Good communication is a central skill for all healthcare professionals to master. We must be well-versed in communicating with all types of families, including those in the LGBTQIA community. (And, LGBTQIA communication is a topic that could for sure be fair game for the IBLCE exam! ) I am not Read more…
In an earlier post, I talked about qualifiers in the stem of an exam item. But recently, several people have asked me for more help dealing with exam items that have a “first” qualifier. Here are a few simple tips: Figure out which “first” you need to respond On an Read more…
Everyone is anxious about the topics that are on the upcoming IBLCE Exam. I have no inside information, and no crystal ball. But I sat down the other day and asked myself: What is my best guess for what will be on the upcoming IBLCE Exam? I came up with Read more…
Over the years heard plenty of myths about becoming a lactation consultant. Some are understandable; others are outlandish. From people all over the world, here are some myths I want to dispel about becoming a lactation consultant. 1. You have to be a nurse to become an IBCLC No, no, Read more…
Multiple test-takers have told me they had “trouble” answering the IBLCE Exam’s pharmacology/toxicology questions. I’ve heard this from both first-time candidates and from those who are re-certifying. To give some guidance for everyone, here are my top tips for handling pharm/tox questions. 1. Understand the rudiments of pharmacokinetics True, you need Read more…
Have you been making plans for a career change? Are you looking for something new, something rewarding? Is it time for you to start a career in lactation? Did you enjoy breastfeeding your child? Are you passionate about the importance of breastfeeding? Has it been a life-changing event for you? Read more…
I often hear that one of the big obstacles to “going Baby-Friendly” is getting the boss to agree! I’m not surprised. The truth is, few – if any of us – have had good information on how to get the boss to say YES to any proposed change in clinical Read more…