Breastfeeding Peer Counsellors

[frodobaggins911]

I've been reading this board for a while and know that there was a thread a while back about peer counsellors becoming lactation consultants. I came across this page which is encouraging in terms of the value attributed to peer counsellors, and the options they have. I also have seen this which states that PCs can become LCs with 1000 hours of clinical practice. Jan Riordan, in her breastfeeding an human lactation book, states that the IBLCE will award 500 hours for every year of active practice. I have yet to check this with an LC who works with LC students but thought it was very encouraging for those PCs who wanted to further their qualifications.

I suppose the question remains, is it better to remain in a mother to mother role (which has been shown to be most effective) or an expert to mother role, which may mean dealing with only highly problematic cases and having to charge lots of cash - something which ime puts people off getting help.

Just sharing the info anyway...

Um, ime at courses, if the baby is too young for the creche, the baby is fine to stay in the classroom with you ...

Interesting about the IBLCE frodo.

I did have in my mind however that the criteria for doing the exam was changing and that only HCPs can take it. Not sure about this though.

The LC said that mother to mother support workers in the field of breastfeeding support would continue to be eligible but that the rest of the criteria would be changing too. The amount of lactation education hours would be going up for example, as well as the amount of academic courses that would be required is also doubling. She also said it is a bit of a watch this space situation so I suppose anything could happen. It makes sense though, considering that peer counsellors have more hours training in breastfeeding than midwives and health visitors do .

Hi Frodo. As I said on the other thread, I am not picking on you, merely anxious to prevent further confusion. I think the IBLCE document is talking about b/f counsellors (or LLL Leaders) rather than peer counsellors/supporters who wouldn't meet the criteria I don't think. I believe the thinking is that even qualified b/f counsellors might have trouble meeting the new requirements.

Don't worry Gaelic, I can take it . Peer Counsellors would now have difficulty meeting the new requirements because the education requirement has changed. They now require 14 different subjects at higher education level, eight of which have to be a term long, the others are things like first aid. So unless you have a background in the sciences, anyone, even LLLs and BFCs will have problems. They also now require 90 hours of education instead of 45 although if you have lots of Saturdays spare you can do courses run by lactation conultants which cover the exam syllabus.

I have to tell you that Peer Counsellors are totally able to become IBCLCs (or were before the 2012 pathways came out) - think about it - an IBCLC is an international exam, so they have mothers in various countries around the place without access to BFC courses, becoming peer counsellors, working voluntarily and then studying for the IBCLC exam. The IBCLE even sponsors them to do so if they are in difficult personal circumstances.

Incidentally, some of the LLLs/LCs I have spoken to are not convinced the new pathways will last very long because mums in far reaching countries that don't have access to higher education will no longer be able to become IBCLCs, although the IBCLE will apparently grant special dispensation to some cases.

We'll have to wait and see I think...

They are making it more difficult as people were failing the exam so they want to attract people who will pass it...

"Breastfeeding Support Counselor: Mother-to-mother support group leaders, breastfeeding peer counselors and certified lactation educators/counselors who work in clinics or hospitals are among the breastfeeding support counselors who may qualify through Pathway 1. To be recognized by IBLCE, the candidate must be associated with an organization that provides breastfeeding support counseling and that requires its counselors to:
complete a structured training program that includes comprehensive education in breastfeeding management
work within a supervision structure that is appropriate to their training
adhere to defined ethical standards for conduct; and
remain up to date by participating in continuing education
Please Note: Volunteer, accredited mother support group leaders receive credit for 500 clinical practice hours for each year of active service."

is from www.americas.iblce.org/clinical-practice-in-lactation-care this page and it is saying support group leaders get the 500 hours a year. i'm sure i saw somewhere that for PCs it was now 2000 hours, not 1000... will have a look now...

Can't find that particular powerpoint...

Peer counselling big in america - they go onto study for IBCLC exam

I actually think we should drop the 'peer supporter' thing and follow the international model so its a global thing but there we are...

this lady runs courses for anyone wanting to work with breastfeeding families including aspiring IBCLCs

Again, just to be clear, although its getting a bit convoluted! "Mother-to-mother support group leaders, breastfeeding peer counselors and certified lactation educators/counselors who work in clinics or hospitals are among the breastfeeding support counselors who may qualify through Pathway 1." so they do count peer counsellors as 'breastfeeding support counselors' (as well as certified lactation counselors which I think do a one week course) in the documentation.

I hope that provides some clarity?!?! Not really lol! About the 500 hours a year - I just read that in Jan Riordan's book (I would think she would know!) but it has obviously changed. I'll be quiet now .

OK, I stand corrected. I suppose it is a case of the peer counsellors having the appropriate level of experience. I have to say my experience of peer counsellors/supporters is people who nod, sympathise and then quote NHS booklets at you. I wouldn't call that clinical practice personally which is why I was a bit . But I totally get that many may do a lot more than that.

Hey gaelic , its all good - its a very complex situation that completely throws me sometimes tbh! Sometimes I think too complex - we've got ourselves in a right tizz over the whole thing. I'm not surprised you were and you're right - level of experience is pretty central... Anyway, hope more and more women get the support they need.