Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a successful certified breastfeeding counselor (CBC)? The International Breastfeeding Institute provides comprehensive training to ensure you are prepared. However, what are the characteristics of a successful certified breastfeeding counselor?
There are many ways to be a wonderful CBC. Still, there are some top characteristics you will see among CBCs who have successful careers and happy clients.
Here are the top characteristics of successful certified breastfeeding counselors:
Values Professionalism and Certification
A truly successful CBC understands professionalism and why certification is important. When one values professionalism, they recognize the importance of remaining in good standing with overseeing organizations.
A professional CBC conducts themselves in a professional way. They respond promptly to inquiries, refer if they are unavailable, and are reliable. When they schedule appointments with clients, they show up on time. If they need to communicate with clients, they do so in a professional manner.
Being professional does not mean you are not personable, empathetic, and kind. It simply means you interact with your clients in a way that builds their confidence in your professionalism and thus expertise.
They Are Intentional About Using Evidenced-Based Information and Support
A true lactation professional understands the importance of using evidenced-based information to support their clients. When clients are seeking support and education, evidence is what will help them meet their breastfeeding goals.
As professional CBCs, you know that evidence helps us understand milk supply and the supply demand process. It helps us understand why a proper deep latch is important for milk transfer. Evidence helps us learn about when babies may need support beyond a CBC’s scope of practice (e.g., weight loss more than 8-10%, inability to latch, etc.,).
Not only are successful CBCs using evidenced-based information, but they are also intentional about keeping up to date with evidence. While the mechanics of breastfeeding and supply demand do not change, the evidence of how we can best support people might.
Successful CBCs Use Active Listening
New parents spend a lot of time talking with doctors, midwives, nurses, etc. These professionals are often busy and have limited time to interact with their patients. Parents also navigate visitors who often quickly ask, “how are you?” while not listening for the answer as they smile at the baby.
Active listening is not only important to obtain the proper information to troubleshoot, but it will also help your client feel truly cared for. While a CBC’s goal is to help parents meet breastfeeding goals, it is also important to help parents feel supported in a positive way.
Successful CBCs listen to listen, they do not listen only to formulate their response.
True Empathy and Understanding
Breastfeeding can be a deeply vulnerable and intimate experience for new parents. It is not uncommon for new parents to feel stressed while navigating breastfeeding being very different than expected. While CBCs may think there are easy options to navigate a parent’s challenges, it is very important not to project that onto clients.
Listening with true empathy and understanding is vital for being a true supportive and successful CBC. When parents seek support from you, they should receive evidenced-based support which is empathetic and understanding to their specific circumstances.
It is important we help clients understand the difference between population level statistics and risks versus personal benefits and risks. Yes, we know that human milk is the best food source for nearly every human infant. However, we also recognize that alternative options exist and many infants thrive on them.
It is important we provide the evidence related to the benefits of breastfeeding and the risks of not doing so. However, it should be presented in an understanding way so clients can make informed decisions without feeling judgement. We can help validate their struggle. Most importantly, we will provide understanding support regardless of their personal breastfeeding goals or changes in goals.
There are many ways to be a good CBC. However, these are the top characteristics of our most successful CBCs. The best part, the International Breastfeeding Institute certification program is designed to help CBCs develop these characteristics. Not already certified? Register now and get started today!