Whether you are a traditional healthcare working, such as a nurse or pediatrician, or you are non-clinical like a doula, continued training is important. With the new AAP breastfeeding recommendations, breastfeeding counselor training is an important certification to add to our skillsets. The AAP is now recommending more support for breastfeeding parents. They encourage pediatricians, […]
The AAP Breastfeeding Recommendations Update 2022
In the United States, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provides guidelines and recommendations for board certified pediatricians to follow. They also provide recommendations for parents as well as other professionals who work with children. This includes the AAP breastfeeding recommendations. The AAP breastfeeding recommendations have long included exclusively breastfeeding for six months, then continuing […]
Can I Be a Breastfeeding Counselor If I Never Breastfed?
Many people get into lactation support because of their own breastfeeding experience. However, previously breastfeeding is not a requirement to be a wonderful certified breastfeeding counselor. You can be a breastfeeding counselor even if you never breastfed. How? Simply put, a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor (CBC) is a professional trained in evidenced-based curriculum. Just as a […]
Formula Shortage and Breastfeeding Counselors
As a birth worker, you are very aware of the current formula shortage in the US, as well as stretching into Canada and other places. As a breastfeeding counselor, part of your role is helping families make informed choices about feeding and caring for their infants. As a CBC, you know there are circumstances where […]
Can You Breastfeed While Pregnant?
As a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor (CBC), you will be asked many questions about breastfeeding at varying stages. Many parents wonder if you can breastfeed while pregnant. The short answer, is yes, you can breastfeed while pregnant. It is a myth that it is inherently dangerous to breastfeed during pregnancy. That said, there are some challenges, […]
Can You Get Pregnant While Breastfeeding?
As a birth worker, especially a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor (CBC), you will be asked a variety of questions. Many parents wonder if they can get pregnant while breastfeeding. In some cases, doctors advise patients that breastfeeding can work as birth control. While breastfeeding can reduce fertility in many, it is very possible to get pregnant […]