Training to become a Breastfeeding Counsellor

[cheekychops03]

I've decided to take the plunge this year and start training to become a breastfeeding counsellor. It is something I have wanted to do since my son was very little as breastfeeding was such a positive experience for me (and at times the only positive experience for me as I had severe postnatal depression).

I was just wondering if anyone out there is a bfc and if they had any top tips or words of wisdom for me?

Thanks.

[Caligula]

cc, I'm not a bfc, but would like to know, what qualifications do you need to become one? Is there a website?

Good luck with it, it is such a worthwhile thing to be doing - so desperately needed.

[coffeebean]

try Association of breastfeeding mothers website - they have details of course they run.

[Flossam]

TikTok is! I'm sure she'll be along soon. She's lovely and will tell you all you need to know I'm sure!

[JulieF]

I'm not a bfc, but am involved with the NCT who are one of the organisations who train them.

The main organisations who train bfc's are the NCT, La Leche League, Breastfeeding Network and Association of Breastfeeding Mothers.

If you contact NCT on 0870 444 8707 they will send you a pack telling you what is involved. From what I gather from our branch trainees, trainign is a mixture of tutorials, essays and study days. You train at your own pace. You will need to become involved with your local branch as they will be fundraising to pay the costs of your training.

Some of the organisations (Breastfeeding Network and I think La Leche) also do mother supporter training. This is basically a short 6-8 week course to help you support other mothers on a mum to mum basis but you are not a full bfc.

I havn't time to find the links as I have to go feed my baby but if you google the organisations mentioned you will find their websites.

The only qualifications needed are that you have to have breastfed at least one child. I also know that with the NCT you have to have an interview with a tutor to make sure you are suitable.

[squigglesmum]

Bump!
Would love some info on this too. I was thinking about training with the NCT, but would find it very hard to commit to the training tutorials, though the actual workload wouldn't be a problem. The Association of Breastfeeding Mothers offers a fully postal course, but I've no experience of their organisation - has anyone used their helpline or anything?