What's the difference between the different organisations?

[TinkerBellesMumandFiFi2]

I did the peer support course with my local PCT and wasn't that impressed with it (I was sad at the amount of myths that were being perpetuated within this class by a childless trainer) and wanted to look into doing a more formal course with one of the bug organisations but I don't know the difference between them or how to choose who to go with. Anyone have any ideas/ suggestions?

I did a peer supporter course that was facilitated by the ABM. There were no myths being peddled there and she was great at dispelling any misconceptions held by the women on the course. I really enjoyed it and am going to do the ABM mother supporter module before hopefully going on to do their BFC course.

The NCT course is good as well according to friends who have done it, and the bonus with their BFC course is that it is accredited by a college, so you get a qualification at the end of the day

I did an NCT peer supporter course, taught by an NCT BFC tutor so shit-hot on the factual stuff and remarkably good on the listening skills too. I suspect the difference between the organisations depends on who you talk to. I've heard say, by a fan of the NCT it has to be said, that NCT are more 'mother focused' ie about empowering women to take charge of the situation as well as providing practical support, and that LLL is more about solving the practical problems. But PLEASE don't jump on my head - I have NO personal experience of LLL and know they provide brilliant support as well as NCT and ABF, but that was one perspective.

Lackadaisy - Im doing the counsellor training with ABM and did MS a while ago. Its fab

thanks for that peppapig. I must get on with it, but 16 week old DS and MN are keeping me busy

BfN's peer supporter training is accredited by the Open College Network. There's info on the LLL Peer counsellor programme online and also on becoming a leader. ABM also have info online, as do NCT.

Each organisation appears to have it's own culture and ethos, for example, NCT covers other aspects of pregnancy, birth and early parenthood. LLL's philsophy is here. There's info on BfN history and aims. Some women feel more closely drawn to one organisation than another for their own personal reasons.

You might also take into account which organisations are active in your area and how the training is structured. For example, supervised tutorials or distance learning (ABM). There are pros and cons of each. Training may take longer than the organisation indicates, depending on how fast you progress. Some also have other requirements, e.g. BfN Supporters once qualified have a 12 month plus probationary period during which they are developing the practical applications of their skills further under close supervision, so this forms part of their overall training.

From what I have seen I would also say that all the orgs offer a mother-centred approach and practical problem solving. Within each organisation there are also variations between individuals, as you would expect.

Tinker,what myths were being perpetuated?

I am involved with ABM who are fab (as are others, doubtless).

There were a couple of us getting frustrated with things she was saying. It doesn't hurt AT ALL, you can't have any alcohol, stress stops your milk, prematurity and sections don't affect your milk it comes in at the same rate and if it doesn't you're not putting the baby to the breast often enough (gee thanks! I knew it had to be all my fault!)

What rot!!!
You shoul;d have put in a complaint.
If not, same old tripe peddled out to other folk.

I took some of the HVs in my Trust to task for crap they were talking about breastfeeding in compulsory training to 100s of peopel.

She was the top person so wouldn't know who to complain to. She has no children BTW and came to this from working in a brewery. She started doing admin for the PCT breastfeeding department and ended up taking over at some point. I've no idea why she thinks she is so qualified!

I wasn't able to do the last session, the test, as I had tonsilitis and was too ill and had no voice. I called whilst she was at the session so spoke to her assistant. She never called me back and I got pregnant so wasn't in a rush to call and rebook the final session. Amazing how keen she was to rebook my test considering that they have 10 Buddies covering most of Birmingham.

I was annoyed about the payment issue too. She started before the course saying it was voluntary work, which is fine I didn't expect anything else. In the first session she said they'd decided to pay the Buddies on a self employed basis, again I didn't mind because from everything she said I would be able to manage on that money. I went and did a lot of research into it, got The Princes Trust to help me. Then she never mentioned it again. On the last training session she handed us a letter saying we were not to be paid and not to make any efforts towards becoming self employed. I'm in touch with another lady from the course and she said that she'd told her that they'd decided to pay in kind.

I've decided something formal will be far more use to me and other mothers than being a Buddy.

Thank you for all the links, you've all given me a lot to think about. I only really know anything about the NCT around here. The hospital my daughters were born at run NCT antenatal classes and a MW or HV (I can never remember between her and another lady) is trained as a BFC with the NCT so she runs a breastfeeding class at the hospital and does breastfeeding support from the hospital as well as working as a BFC for the NCT. I would by default think to go with them but want to be sure that I know the difference.

Find out who her linem anager is and complain to them.Everyone is accountable.