As a certified breastfeeding counselor (CBC), you might be wondering how to help people understand your role. Afterall, breastfeeding is a natural process, why do people need help? During our CBC training, we know there are significant benefits of breastfeeding counselors.
Aside from our obvious understanding, what do our clients need to know? Here are five benefits of breastfeeding counselors:
#1: Breastfeeding Counselors Are a Great Source of Information
As a CBC, you’re up to date with important infant feeding recommendations. Between well-meaning friends, and endless websites and parent forums, it can be hard to know which information to trust.
A breastfeeding counselor is a source of information. They are trained to know which sources are evidenced-based and how to best apply them. A CBC understands important guidelines from the CDC, AAP, and WHO, including feeding safety.
There are times, well-meaning friends and family might recommend topping off baby with bottles or giving cereal so babies sleep better. However, this does not increase sleep and can pose serious health risks, including choking.
You provide excellent information to clients, saving them the trouble of sorting through good and bad advice.
#2: You Know The Best Tips, Tricks, and Hints
A counselor does not just have great book knowledge, they know the best tricks. As a CBC, you know how to help find a comfortable feeding position. You know how to save time with cleaning pumps (such as soaking in hot soapy water until you’re ready to clean).
You can help clients learn to look for hunger cues long before crying begins, and more.
Even if a client is navigating early breastfeeding well, you can help later. Some clients return with questions you can help with such as:
- Distracted mobile infants
- Returning to work
- Weaning
- Introducing solids while continuing to breastfeed
And more!
#3: One of the Benefits of Breastfeeding Counselors is Enjoyable Breastfeeding
Sure, breastfeeding is work. It can be challenging in the beginning, and it can take quite a bit of time. However, with proper support, education, and planning, parents can truly enjoy breastfeeding.
Like many aspects of parenting, there are times it may feel like yet another chore. However, with a good latch, and lots of tips and tricks, one’s overall breastfeeding experience can be enjoyable. Not only will clients benefit from oxytocin, they can just enjoy some down time with their baby several times a day.
#4: Non-Medical Solutions to Common Breastfeeding Issues
Feeling engorged? Discomfort during latching? As a CBC, you can help your clients navigate these issues with basic remedies.
We cannot provide medical advice or prescribe anything. However, we can share that many find warm compresses before feeds and cool compresses after feeds helpful for engorgement. We can help clients learn about a proper latch, so they don’t experience pain. CBCs can share information about common remedies, such as nipple ointments and creams for sore nipples.
Most importantly, as that source of evidenced-based information, we can help save them from unnecessary remedies others might recommend.
#5: CBCs Are Breastfeeding Troubleshooters
Whether a client is preparing to go back to work, struggling with using bottles, or navigating life with a preemie, CBCs help with troubleshooting.
Evidenced-based training prepares CBCs to support clients through breastfeeding initiation. That includes troubleshooting through common problems. Should a problem arise which is outside a CBC’s scope of practice, they will know who to refer a client to.
Unlike a friend or family member, a CBC is trained to catch red flags. When we see something which could impact lactation, a parent’s wellness, or a baby’s health, we know to recommend a client see a qualified professional ASAP. We do not diagnose or treat any medical conditions, but we are trained to know the importance of proper follow-up with providers.
These are just a few of the many benefits of breastfeeding counselors. Ready to get started and offer this support in your community? You can register today!