NCT Breastfeeding Counsellor Training - Is this totally unrealistic?

[Wholelottalove]

Just wondered if there is anyone out there who has done/is doing this training? I have been considering doing it for a couple of years and recently had an email to ask if I was still interested. I said yes and have just had another message to alloacte me to a tutor for interview.

The difficulty is I am currently 32 weeks pregnant with DC2. I know the training involves some day long workshops or even residential events and I'm not sure I could manage those with a nusring baby in tow.

I think I would be fine with the academic side, although I know planning for 6 hours study a week with a newborn and toddler might also be a bit unrealistic.

What do you think? Am I mad to consider at this stage? It is something I've been keen on for a while and I do plan to take a full year's maternity leave this time.

I started my peer supporter training (not NCT) when my DS was 2 months old. It was fine taking him along as a) I was feeding him so he served as a good example, and b) because I was always with him he was pretty much as quiet as a mouse and didn't interrupt things at all.

I'd check with the NCT they'd be ok for you to take the baby, but I'd say you'd be fine.

Thanks. Yes, I guess a feeding newborn would be an excellent practical example! I think I'll discuss with the tutor and see what they say.

I think they aren't allowed to take babies whilst training (friend is doing it and she wasn't able to take her youngest with her though she was an older baby). I am interested in doing the training but will wait until DD3 weans (at least 2 years time judging by DD1 & DD2).

Could you ask NCT? Other orgs do allow babies to accompany to training, so perhaps look into the other options (LLL, ABM, BfN) if this doesn't suit you for some reason?

I'm currently in the process of applying for LLL training and I'm 24 weeks pregnant. From what I can tell, it's a lot more flexible and less structured than the NCT course so it might suit your situation better. Here's some more information.

Wjolelottalove - please check about the babies and training and NCT. I understand that small babies are welcome at tutorials, but not at weekend all-day 2-day training. Just ask the tutor when you speak to her.

Thanks for the suggestions and for the link EauRouge I have arranged for a chat with the NCT tutor so will ask her.

EauRouge just tried the link and it isn't working. Would you be able to repost please? Thanks :)

Oops, I guess it didn't like the apostrophe! Try again here

Thanks, it's working now :)

If a breastfeeding course can't cope with a breastfeeding baby in tow I would be very surprised indeed!