Updated May, 2021
As my own journey to certification comes to a close, I’ve had a few people ask me what a certified breastfeeding counselor is and how is it different from a lactation consultant. I’m very passionate about nutrition and breastfeeding in the first year, and I want to help every woman nurse successfully. This article gives you an idea of exactly what I do and do not do.
What Does a Breastfeeding Counselor Do?
A Breastfeeding Counselor is well trained in lactation guidance and support.My focus is to work with families to be successful in breastfeeding and navigate challenges as they arise. Sometimes families just need a little help with things like latch, monitoring that baby is getting enough milk, or experimenting with different positions. Often this support comes at a time when a family is exhausted and in need of love and positive energy. I offer education and resources to families so they can make decisions for themselves and feel in control of their journey.
A Breastfeeding Counselor will often come to your home directly to help you (or at least that’s what I do). Their main focus is support and education. My intent is to ensure that every nursing mom has the resources she needs to be successful in her nursing journey. I also work with children and partners to brainstorm ways to include them in the process of feeding so that they don’t feel left out.
What Doesn't a Breastfeeding Counselor Do?
A Breastfeeding Counselor is not a medical professional. While I have completed training and need to maintain my certification, I did not attend nursing school. Lactation Consultants have had years of training and experience. They often work in hospitals, whereas my role is more for families in their homes after the hospital. The highest level of lactation support is the IBCLC, Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant, who complete years of training and education, have degrees in at least nursing, and have been certified appropriately.
Breastfeeding Counselors should not be officially diagnosing you with anything. They cannot diagnosis mastitis, tongue ties, or blocked ducts. They can educate you around these topics, but they cannot officially diagnose that you have anything. You will need to see a medical professional for that.
Is a Breastfeeding Counselor Right for You?
If you are having trouble with nursing and want more education and support, a Breastfeeding Counselor is a great option. They are often more affordable than IBCLCs, or their expertise includes other services, such as postpartum doula support.
Overall, they are one more resource for you to have in your community index in supporting you in the first year of your child’s life. Even if you do not have the financial resources to hire one, many offer free breastfeeding group meetups that you could join. Then you can hear directly from other moms in your area.
Breastfeeding Help!
So you’ve decided you officially need support. Now where do you turn? A quick Google search will you you a terrifying number of options. My suggestions are as follows:
- Ask you doctor for a reference
- Ask friends if they know anyone
- Donna Doula Services
- International Doula Institute Services
If you are local to the Denver/Boulder, Colorado area, feel free to look up my services as well. My postpartum doula packages include a lactation support package that is all about helping you feel confident in nursing. I also offer distance support if you have more questions and less need of a hands on approach.
I wanted to become a certified breastfeeding counselor because I wanted to feel prepared to properly support new moms with breastfeeding, especially if I was supporting them as a postpartum doula. Getting this certification was just one small step in that journey. I want every family to feel successful in their nursing journey so being able to appropriately support them was vital.
