<center> https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/11/29/01/45/baby-1866623_1280.jpg</center> 

For any mothers today who might need some help with breastfeeding, they've traditionally had the option to seek out help from <b>lactation consultants</b> working in their area. These consultants could be off-duty nurses, nutritionists, or experienced mothers etc, who are willing to provide their <b>expertise</b> that can help new mothers learn how to navigate the difficulties that come along with trying to feed their baby. 

These consultants might help with issues such as mothers experiencing pain while breastfeeding, latching issues, low production, and more. Unfortunately, today there are a few states that have intervened in this market by attempting to licensing the work of these consultants. Some women who have been offering services in this market have been doing it for decades and now that the government wants to get involved that means it's posing a threat to their livelihood and their freedom. 

A few years ago, [the state of Georgia passed a bill](https://www.forbes.com/sites/paulhsieh/2018/08/13/how-licensing-laws-harm-mothers-infants-and-lactation-consultants/#7c89debf21b2) that would newly require all lactation consultants in the region to obtain the appropriate license before they could work. Prior to that bill being passed it is alleged that the state had roughly 800 or more lactation consultants who were actively working and now they could be facing a shortage, because many of those consultants will be unwilling or unable to meet the new licensing requirements. 

<center>https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2014/05/31/09/01/woman-358779_1280.jpg </center>

To satisfy the state they would need to engage in at least <b>300+ hours of clinical experience</b>, along with completing roughly 2 years consisting of at least 14 different college-level courses; as well as pay any license fees. 

## With the new rules, it's estimated that *roughly 90 percent of current consultants* would be <b>unable to serve their community</b>.
<center> </center>

Several years prior to state lawmakers passing this new bill, a regulatory review committee in Georgia had investigated the potential impact that such legislation would have and they concluded that introducing such a licensing scheme would <b>not improve access to care</b> and they saw <b>no evidence of harm</b> caused by [an unregulated lactation consultant market](https://www.nbcnews.com/think/amp/ncna896566). 

## That review board overwhelmingly insisted that the state should *abandon their licensing plans* but we know that this isn't the route they ultimately took.

<center> https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/04/30/00/28/dollar-1362244_1280.jpg</center>
# Who Benefits?
<center> </center> As far as who will benefit from these new rules being imposed, universities and other educational venues in the region certainly might see an uptick in business if they are going to be active in providing health courses on the subject and meeting that new need for those in their community who can no longer access a lactation consultant. 

It's also alleged that the <b>International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE)</b>, will benefit greatly as they are <b>the only group</b> that has allegedly been [given the authority to issue licenses in the state of Georgia](https://www.ozy.com/acumen/you-may-soon-need-a-license-to-say-breast-is-best/88377) and they'll allegedly be making hundreds of dollars from each of those license purchases. 

# Fighting Back...
<center> </center> Some lactation consultants have filed a lawsuit against the state, specifically the agent who is overseeing the licensing boards. [They say that the new rules](https://politics.myajc.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/lactation-consultants-sue-state-over-georgia-law-requiring-licensing/s37fN6zqowQhddhSYJkLwK/) are <b>unconstitutional</b>. Attorneys working on behalf of those suing the state have insisted that <b>attempting to license these consultants</b> does zero in the way of boosting public health and safety. Quite the contrary, these regulations will deteriorate their quality of life and they'll harm the public as well by making it more difficult for them to seek help.

## For now, the state has agreed [not to enforce that new law regarding lactation consulting](https://ij.org/press-release/state-agrees-not-to-enforce-lactation-consultant-licensing-law-pending-outcome-of-lawsuit/) pending the outcome of this new lawsuit. 
<center> </center> If they hadn't made that decision to put enforcement on hold, anyone found in violation of those new rules could have faced a penalty of $500 per day if they were to continue working and offering their services to others in their community.


Pics:
Pixabay

*The information that is posted above is not intended to be used as any substitute for professional medical advice, or diagnosis or treatment. The above is posted for informational purposes only.*

 <center>https://steemitimages.com/DQmaW48YhsgLS2fxaYkXCuon3tFpQEEh1tSUCU3jjJXv7RT/%40doitvoluntarily.gif </center>

## Related Posts:
### [Fighting Back Against Occupational Licensing](https://steemit.com/government/@doitvoluntarily/fighting-back-against-occupational-licensing?sort=trending)

### [City Sued Over Tour Guide Licensure Racket](https://steemit.com/freedom/@doitvoluntarily/city-sued-over-tour-guide-licensure-racket)