Breastfeeding Training

[susanmt]

I am exploring a few ideas about things I would like to do, as I am SAHM at the moment but dont want to let my brain stagnate.
One of my ideas is to train as a bfc. I have breastfed one baby to 14 months and am going good with No2 at 6 months. There is no NCT branch where I live, and I was wondering if there was any way to train that didn't involve being part of a branch? Also, does anyone know what the course entails and how long it takes?
Thanks !!

[pupuce]

I am traing with the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers. It's like the NCT in the sense that it takes between 18 to 24 months to train (all modules sent to your home) + study days.
The ABM trains for free which is not the case of the NCT. You do have to join the ABM but it's only 15GBP a year. And what I like most is that it's a small community not like the NCT which is to big for my (personal) taste.
Have a look at their website.

P.S. I am finding the training VERY interesting

[SueW]

Pupuce, I believe you are wrong WRT to the cost of training as a BFC with NCT. AFAIK, although antental teacher training costs the trainee money (20% of the total cost), BFCs do not pay for their training - the costs are all paid for their branch.

Membership of the NCT costs £36pa for the first year and £26pa thereafter at the moment. Like ABM the NCT requires trainees to attend study days and tutorials.

I'm sure someone will put me right, if I'm wrong!

[pupuce]

I think it depends on the branch (how much funding they will give you)... The ABM only requires you to send SAE for your modules.
Tiktok - you must know more....

[susanmt]

So what would I do if I wanted to train with the NCT but dont have a branch?

[pupuce]

Train with the ABM as you don't need a branch

[susanmt]

LOL! I had a look at it last night pupuce and it looks pretty good, I'm going to ask for more info. Thanks for the tip!

[susanmt]

LOL! I had a look at it last night pupuce and it looks pretty good, I'm going to ask for more info. Thanks for the tip!

[tiktok]

Training is free with NCT, though you do have to be a member of the organisation, as SueW says. The branch pays all fees and expenses, and branches can get a large contribution from a grant the Department of Health has made towards training bfcs.

It takes most trainees more than 2 years to train.

A few trainees in outlying areas will do much of their trainig by post, but this is rare. Most attend monthly tutorials, as we feel the personal development needed to become a counsellor is achieved more effectively with support from, and regular contact with, other people.

The Breastfeeding Network and La Leche League also train breastfeeding supporters.

HTH!

[ames]

I've just got the forms to apply from the ABM with regard to the reference required does anyone know if it is ok for me to put down my best friend who has children ( it does say professional or experienced mother) I think she would be best qualified to answer the questions as I dont feel my hv knows me particularly well.

[pupuce]

Oh my HV did it... actually I got the form from them a bit later so I had already been accepted !
I am sure that would be fine otherwise they will let you know !

[Willow2]

Just out of curiosity... is this a labour of love or do you get paid for b/f or antenatal counselling?

[pupuce]

Well bf counsellors don't get paid - it's all love ! (So when we are on phone dury, it'all voluntary work). Bear that in mind next time you call a helpline
But I believe that the NCT pays their bf counsellor when they teach a class or something... same is true for ante natal class teachers with the NCT.

If you're question was for me personnally. I will be a voluntary counsellor and I am currently setting up a BF support group in my town (all voluntary - looking for donations though!) and my ante natal classes (exercise and discussion/support) are not with the NCT and mums will have to pay a small fee to attend them.

[tiktok]

That's right - NCT bfcs are not paid for any of the counselling they do, but if we do an NCT antenatal class we are paid a fee (it is never high, but it does go up according to years of experience).

When you call a helpline, you are reaching a volunteer counsellor in her own home - sometimes people assume it's an office or a call centre

[susanmt]

I have got the application forms! I am going to apply! I'll let you know how it goes!