When Dr Sawyer suggested last fall that I become a lactation consultant for her pediatric clinic, I liked the idea. I had 9 years experience working with breastfeeding mothers, nursed my 2 children & thought that breastfeeding IS the best form of nutrition for baby & has many health benefits for mom as well.
Little did I know how intense the journey would be.
I wrote about it in March. It's easy to say that you know a little about breastfeeding, but being an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) is a much more intense, in-depth expert in lactation and breastfeeding. I have spent the last 9 months preparing for this international board exam. I have been blessed to share this journey with 5 other former co-workers. Starting in January we did monthly 4-hour study group sessions. The 2 weeks immediately prior to the exam we have met for
all day study sessions. Of course I have been independently reading and studying on my lunch breaks and when the family goes to bed and the house is quiet. I have looked at disgusting images, answered hundreds of practice questions, read tender stories and been totally amazed at what God made the body to do. I've learned some amazing things on this journey. It has only validated my original feelings of the importance of breastfeeding. I hope to support, educate and help mothers in our area (where we currently have NO lactation consultants) to breastfeed their baby's. And to also help my nurse friends navigate through what is best for our patients and babies.
In just a few short hours, I will be taking my lactation consultant international board exam. Please pray for me and all my potential colleagues that will be testing today around the world. That's right, today there will be people in China, India, England, Argentina, Mexico, etc! Isn't that cool!?! I guess the point is that we all have the same goals.
I am nervous. I am battling the self-doubt. All I can hope and pray is that I have prepared enough. Thank you in advance for your moments of prayer for me...I greatly appreciate it.
Here are memories of my preparation journey...
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| Study group with Marie Biancuzzo during a Exam Review course in Atlanta |
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| After 11 hours of studying...our minds were so tired. |
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| Studying in Atlanta at a Exam Review course in March |
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| Our study corner where we met to do most of our studying this year. |
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| During our last 2 cram sessions, Chris was nice enough to invite us into her home. |
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| Midnight snack while studying |
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