Being a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor (CBC) means providing education and support for breastfeeding initiation and basic problem solving. Being aware of support groups, area providers, and educational information is important. Often, you will be able to provide most of the needed breastfeeding support for parents.
However, sometimes parents will need additional support and resources. As a CBC, you have a lot to offer new parents. In the rare case their needs extend beyond your scope of practice or services, being knowledgeable ensures you can point them in the right direction.
Here are things to know about breastfeeding support for parents:
You Can Provide Prenatal Education
As a CBC, providing prenatal education consults can be a great way to help parents. By providing information before baby is born, many breastfeeding issues can be avoided. Often, early breastfeeding challenges are the result of feeding management issues.
It isn’t uncommon for parents to be given outdated information such as restrict feeds, supplement just in case, or be told fussing equals poor milk supply. As breastfeeding is a supply demand process, little steps can cause supply issues.
Providing education before these issues present is an important part of providing breastfeeding support for parents.
Help Partners Learn About Support
Research shows that a supportive and educated partner is a major factor in reaching breastfeeding goals. Breastfeeding initiation can be incredibly difficult. Without support of the people within your home it is even more difficult.
Providing education for partners is an important part of breastfeeding support for parents. Many partners want to be involved in the early days but aren’t always sure of their role. Taking time to inform partners about things they can do to help and be involved can make the transition easier for everyone in the home.
Help Parents Know About Professional Support Options
As a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor (CBC) you are obviously a professional support option. Make sure your clients and potential clients know what services you offer and your scope of practice.
In addition to CBC support, it’s important you be familiar with other professionals. You can act as a resource for your clients should they need anything beyond what you can provide.
It can be helpful to know:
- Area IBCLC practices
- IBCLCs who provide home visits
- Locations or traveling providers who can do weighted feeds
- Doctors familiar with diagnosing and treating tongue and lip ties
- Places to rent breast pumps, scales, etc.
- Medical supply companies they can work with to get insurance covered breast pumps
As a CBC, you will be able to provide enough professional support for many clients. Occasionally, an IBCLC or healthcare provider will be needed.
Help Parents Find Breastfeeding Support Groups
Peer breastfeeding support is an important part of the breastfeeding journey. As a CBC, providing a breastfeeding group or becoming familiar with the ones in your area is a great way to support your clients.
Breastfeeding support groups are a unique combination of professional and peer support. These groups are often facilitated by CBCs or IBCLCs who provide evidenced based professional support and information. However, the participants of the group provide needed peer support.
Give Parents Online Resources
Providing parents with vetted, evidenced based websites can be a helpful way to support new parents. With endless online resources, new parents can be overwhelmed by the internet. Taking time to find reputable online resources is a great help to new clients.
Create a resource list to easily provide parents with answers to common breastfeeding questions. You can also give them the names of reputable websites so they can easily do their own research as needed.
Beyond your regular CBC visits, you can provide many resources to help with breastfeeding resources for parents.