Monday, June 3, 2013

Keeping Calm and Carrying On

Back last June I went to Germany (Landstuhl) on my own and took a week-long certification course to become a CLC (Certified Lactation Counselor).  I had a great time and learned lots and lots of information.  I took the exam and walked away confident that I did well and all was hunky dory.

August rolled around and I got a letter...all was not hunky dory.  There are two parts to the exam.  There is a multiple choice exam and there is a competency that involves a video.   I had passed the multiple choice exam, but I did not pass the video portion.  I was devastated!  I was deflated!

I was eligible to retake the exam within a year but I didn't think I wanted to.  How could I justify the expense when I would likely fail again?  I tried to put it behind me and let it go.  But it wouldn't.  I kept feeling like I had left it undone.  It was hanging over my head and I didn't like it.  I kept watching the locations that the next course would be offered and finally it came up that it was going to be offered at a base in England.  I decided to give it another try.  I'm so lucky to have such a supportive husband that had no problem with me doing this.

So here I am.  I flew to London and drove up to the base.  I've sat through two reviews and am preparing to re-take the exam.  I am more calm.  I am going to do my very best and that's it.  I'm not hanging anything on it.  It is what it is and despite what happens, I'm still going to do my very best to help mamas and babies with learning to nurse.