Both a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor (CBC) and a Peer Counselor providing non-medical breastfeeding support to new parents. However, certified breastfeeding counselor vs peer counselor, what’s the difference?

Both are trained with evidenced-based information. Also, both have the goal to support lactating families in reaching their breastfeeding goals. However, each have a different role in the lactation support system.

At the International Doula Institute, we provide a CBC training program. At times, peer counselors will opt to take our training to advance their career. Simply put, a CBC typically has more training than a peer counselor.

What is a Breastfeeding Counselor?

Certified Breastfeeding Counselors are providers that deal with the normal process of lactation. They provide support with typical breastfeeding initiation, general lactation information (e.g., helping parents understand supply demand process), and aid in common breastfeeding questions.

A CBC has the training and skills to help parents with basic problem solving related to feeding routines, as well as what red flags to look for when they may need to reach out to an IBCLC or physician.

A CBC does not provide any weight checks, medical care, nor do they diagnose or treat a lactating person or infant. However, their role is vital in helping new parents navigate the normal process of breastfeeding.

What is a Peer Counselor?

One of the most known lactation peer counselors are La Leche League leaders. While they certainly are not the only peer counselors, they are widely known.

A peer counselor provides peer support, parent to parent. They learn about lactation from lactation professionals, understand evidenced-based information, and come alongside new parents to provide ongoing support.

Peer support also has a vital role in lactation support. Research suggests that families who have ongoing peer support are more likely to reach breastfeeding goals. Peer support provides support beyond simply lactation and often aims to help parents with a general adjustment to having a new baby while also navigating typical lactation challenges.

Certified Breastfeeding Counselor vs Peer Counselor – What’s The Difference in Training?

Whether a certified counselor or a peer counselor, there is professional training by a more advanced lactation professional. In fact, nearly all lactation training programs, regardless of level, are taught by IBCLC lactation consultants.

IBCLCs are the highest trained lactation professionals. They are required to have 90 hours of lactation specific academic training, college level science courses, and 300-1000 clinical hours of lactation support before they can even sit for their exam. They must also recertify ever five years.

These IBCLCs are a vital part of lactation support helping clients who need anywhere from basic breastfeeding initiation through serious feeding challenges. As they have the most training and experience, they are best equipped to train other lactation professionals.

A peer counselor training is often, but not always, created and run by an IBCLC and requires 18-50 hours of classroom learning. This equips them to provide breastfeeding information, encouragement, and support in their communities.

A certified breastfeeding counselor training includes:

• 20-120 hours of classroom level learning
• Passing a written exam provided by their certifying organization

At IDI, our CBC training meets the academic requirements for those hoping to continue their training to become and IBCLC. However, it provides enough education and training to be a CBC and begin or maintain a career providing education and guidance for breastfeeding families on basic breastfeeding issues.

Should I Become a Peer Counselor or a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor?

There is a role for peer counselors, CBCs, and IBCLCs within the lactation support system. All have an important and vital role. Choosing which role you would like depends on why you hope to become a lactation support person and what your career goals are.

If you are hoping to turn your passion for lactation support into a career, becoming a CBC is a great way to launch your career. Many become a CBC and remain a CBC. Others choose to continue their education and training to become and IBCLC.

Peer counselors have a vital role; however, they often remain community volunteers. If you simply hope to support fellow parents in navigating breastfeeding, a peer counselor training is a great option.

If you are ready to turn your passion for lactation support into a career, be sure to register today! Become a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor.