As a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor (CBC), you play a critical role not only in postpartum lactation support but also in setting families up for success before baby arrives. Prenatal breastfeeding education is one of the most impactful ways to increase both short- and long-term breastfeeding outcomes.

When introducing yourself to your community, be sure families are aware you are available before baby arrives!

According to research, families who receive prenatal education on breastfeeding are more likely to initiate breastfeeding, exclusively breastfeed, and continue beyond six months. For CBCs, offering thoughtful, evidence-based prenatal support can close the knowledge gap, build confidence, and create a strong foundation for the breastfeeding journey.

Here’s how you can effectively provide prenatal education that makes a lasting difference:

Address Expectations Early and Honestly

Many parents go into breastfeeding with unrealistic or incomplete ideas of what it will be like. Use prenatal sessions to:

• Normalize the learning curve of breastfeeding
• Explain what the first days and weeks may look and feel like
• Clarify that breastfeeding is a skill that both baby and parent learn together

Setting realistic expectations helps reduce anxiety, frustration, and early weaning. Often, many parents assume breastfeeding will simply easily workout or they will just bottle feed. However, understanding the benefits of breastfeeding alongside realistic expectations is helpful. It is also helpful for parents to know that babies latch on and off bottles too. Having to eat orally can have a bit of a learning curve for babies, even though they have reflexive sucking.

Focus on the First Hours and Days

Prenatal education should highlight how critical the early postpartum hours are to milk production and breastfeeding success. Teach families about:

• The importance of uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact
• Breastfeeding within the first hour
• Recognizing early feeding cues
• Rooming-in and feeding on demand

Help clients create a feeding plan and communicate these preferences to their birth team. I often tell families that if they give it 110% the first few days, it can make breastfeeding easier long-term.  I remind them that while the first few weeks can be quite demanding, it does not remain the same level of hard.

Teach the Basics of Latch, Positioning, and Supply

While hands-on practice comes later, prenatal sessions can introduce:

• Signs of a deep, effective latch
• How milk supply works (supply and demand)
• Positions that support comfort and good attachment

You can also demonstrate using dolls and models or show short videos that visually reinforce learning. Visuals showing a proper latch can be helpful. When parents know what to look for they are less likely to wait to seek help for a shallow or inefficient latch.

Address Common Challenges Proactively

When parents know what to watch for, they’re more likely to seek help early. Cover:

• How to know if baby is getting enough milk
• Normal vs. concerning nipple pain
• What engorgement, mastitis, and cluster feeding are
• When and how to get help

This reduces fear and increases resilience if challenges arise. It can alleviate pressure if parents know it is common to have some challenges. Then, when they know who to call to navigate those challenges, they’re less likely to panic if feeding becomes difficult.

Involve Partners and Support People

Partner and family support is one of the strongest predictors of breastfeeding duration. Invite partners to prenatal sessions and discuss:

• How they can support the nursing parent physically and emotionally
• How to spot signs of successful feeding
• Bottle-feeding expressed milk without undermining breastfeeding (paced feeding)

Empowered partners help create a solid breastfeeding support system. Help families understand the time involved in feeding little ones so everyone has realistic expectations.

Offer Resources and Referrals

Make sure clients leave your sessions with:

• Local and virtual lactation support contacts (IBCLCs, peer groups, hotlines)
• Links to credible online breastfeeding information
• Access to postpartum follow-up care

Remind families that support doesn’t end after birth — it’s ongoing and accessible. Make sure they know the best way to reach you so you can provide support asap when problems arise. Let them know you can help them understand if and when it is time to seek a higher level of care, such as with an IBCLC.

Support Informed Decision-Making

Certified Breastfeeding Counselors don’t pressure — they educate. Respect each family’s values and goals while offering evidence-based information. Help them understand:

• The health benefits of breastfeeding
• The risks of unnecessary supplementation
• Their legal rights to nurse in public and pump at work

Empowered parents are more likely to advocate for themselves and meet their feeding goals. Your goal is to help parents meet their personal breastfeeding goals and make informed decisions.

Prenatal breastfeeding education is a powerful tool in your scope as a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor. It’s not just about giving information — it’s about building trust, confidence, and a proactive plan.

When families understand how breastfeeding works, what to expect, and where to turn for help, they’re far more likely to initiate and sustain breastfeeding — leading to better health outcomes for both parent and baby.

Start the conversation early, plant the seeds of confidence, and watch breastfeeding success grow from the very first latch.

Not a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor? Get started today and be ready to support families in your community.