At the international Breastfeeding Institute, we strive to support our students in every aspect of their training. One thing that can be difficult for new birth workers, including Certified Breastfeeding Counselors, is navigating their new small business. The Certified breastfeeding counselor business tips below can help you think about your business options.
While many Certified Breastfeeding Counselors (CBC) strive to work within other settings, such as a WIC office, others like to work with their own small business.
The following business tips are designed specifically for CBCs:
Begin Networking During Your Training
One of the biggest mistakes new birth workers make is not starting to network until they are done or nearly done with their certification. Networking takes time and so starting while you are training allows you to make connections before you are ready to begin working.
It is difficult to begin working when you have no networking completed and you are not connected to people within the lactation field or lactation adjacent fields.
By beginning to network early in your training, when you are ready to pursue clients, you are more likely to have some. It takes time to build meaningful connections within the community in a way where other birth professionals will be comfortable referring clients to you. People want to know that they are referring their mutual clients to someone who practices evidence-based support. They want to know the person is also able to provide empathetic support.
Do not wait until you are done training to begin networking.
Begin Certified Breastfeeding Counselor Business Accounts on Social Media
Having an online presence and establishing yourself as a reputable resource can make it easier for clients to find you. When people are seeking out breastfeeding support, they want to connect with someone who feels safe.
The early postpartum period is a vulnerable and difficult time. When people have the chance to watch your videos and read your posts during their pregnancy, they might feel comfortable reaching out with breastfeeding questions and concerns.
It is also a great way to network with other birth work professionals and lactation adjacent fields.
Consider Other Areas of Birth Work That Will Complement CBC Training
Many CBCs are also involved in other birth work. Some are postpartum doulas, birth doulas, childbirth educators, and more. By diversifying your skills, you can provide continuity of care for your clients. When you can provide more services, you are also increasing your opportunities for expanding your business.
It is completely possible to have a career as only a CBC. However, most small businesses will tell you it is easier to find success when you can diversify your services.
Even if you are not interested in additional certifications or training, you might find expanding your CBC services helpful. This might look like:
- Offering virtual support
- Hosting support groups
- Creating online content
- Providing prenatal classes
- Learning about and then offering breastfeeding friendly infant sleep support.
- Retail related to infants and especially lactation.
Most importantly, it is best to expand your services into areas you are passionate about. You are likely to exceed best when you are offering services that really align with your professional goals and interests. Clients can tell when you are passionate about creating empathetic, safe, space for a support group versus just hosting one because you think it will increase clients.
Certified Breastfeeding Counselor Business Tip – Don’t Forget Contracted Work!
As an independent CBC, you may want to maintain full autonomy over your work. However, sometimes it can be difficult to maintain a full client load. One way to manage maintaining autonomy while increasing clients is to consider contract work.
Many birth workers will work as independent contractors. This means they are not employed but work with an agency or organization. Contracted work is a great way to expand your business while maintaining independent work.