How to Become a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor

Are you passionate about supporting new mothers and their babies? In the U.S., approximately 3.6 million babies are born each year, and an impressive 83.2% of them are breastfed. This statistic highlights the demand for knowledgeable and caring lactation professionals.

Learning how to become a certified breastfeeding counselor will give you specialized training to assist new mothers by addressing latch issues, providing guidance on milk supply and optimal positions, and helping with other related concerns.

Breastfeeding Counselor: Career Snapshot

• Mission: Support and guide mothers on their breastfeeding journeys.
• Responsibilities: Provide breastfeeding education, assist with latch and feeding techniques, and troubleshoot breastfeeding challenges.
• Workplaces: Hospitals, birthing centers, community health organizations, and lactation clinics.
• Eligibility: Nurses, social workers, breastfeeding mothers, or anyone eager to learn.
• Path: Complete a specialized certification course.

What Is a Breastfeeding Counselor?

Certified breastfeeding counselors are trained professionals who provide guidance, education, and support to mothers during the breastfeeding process. While you don’t need to be a nurse to do this job, a nursing education can provide a solid foundation for this role. People from various fields can pursue this certification. Here are several examples:

• Community health workers
• Doulas
• Nurses
• Nurse practitioners
• Nurse midwives
• Nutritionists
• Occupational therapists
• Peer counselors
• Physician assistants
• Public health professionals
• Social workers

What Do Certified Breastfeeding Counselors Do?

Besides usual responsibilities such as assessments and accurate documentation, these professionals might also be responsible for:

• Offering personalized breastfeeding education and information.
• Assisting mothers with latching techniques and positioning for effective breastfeeding.
• Addressing common breastfeeding challenges such as engorgement, nipple pain, or low milk supply.
• Providing emotional support and encouragement to mothers, especially during times of frustration or uncertainty.
• Referring mothers to additional resources or lactation specialists when needed.
• Collaborating with other members of the healthcare team including OB-GYN nurses, pediatric nurses, postpartum nurses, and nurse midwives.

Where Do Breastfeeding Counselors Work?

These dedicated professionals enjoy workplace versatility, with the ability to find employment in many different settings. Some common places where they work include:

• Hospitals
• Birthing centers
• Community health organizations
• Lactation clinics
• Women’s health centers
• Pediatric clinics
• Public health departments
• Nonprofit organizations
• Private practices
• Online consulting platforms

For the latest and most comprehensive insights into where a nurse with this certification might work, explore the latest mother-baby nurse jobs on IntelyCare.

Steps to Become a Breastfeeding Counselor

Getting into this meaningful nursing specialty may be simpler than you think. Let’s explore the key steps to start your journey as a certified breastfeeding professional:

1. Gain Education and Experience

While not all certification options require a formal healthcare background, it can be helpful to be familiar with the field. You could pursue traditional nursing education or gain hands-on experience in roles such as community health worker, doula, or lactation peer counselor.

2. Choose a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor Course

Select a training program accredited by recognized organizations such as the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) or the Healthy Children Project. Here are some certifications for you to consider:

• Advanced Lactation Consultant (ALC)
• Advanced Nurse Lactation Consultant (ANLC)
• Certified Breastfeeding Counselor (CBC)
• Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC)

3. Pass a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor Exam

Here’s the cost breakdown for the two main certification programs:

• CBC: $790 including training and certification
• CLC: $820.75 including tuition, exam, and course materials

After finishing the training program, you’ll need to pass a certification exam given by the accrediting organization. This test evaluates candidates’ understanding and skills in different areas of breastfeeding counseling, such as location physiology and factors influencing milk supply.

5. Maintain Certification

These certifications last for three years. To keep them up to date, you may have to meet ongoing continuing education requirements set by the accrediting organization. This might involve attending workshops, professional conferences, or completing additional training courses.

How Much Do Certified Breastfeeding Counselors Make?

The typical certified breastfeeding counselor salary in the U.S. is $44,619, but can range from $39,098 to $50,281. Your salary might differ based on factors like education, type of certification, experience, and where you work.

Need Help Finding a Job You Love?

Interested in becoming a certified breastfeeding counselor or exploring other nursing specialties? IntelyCare offers personalized job matching to help you find a role you’ll love.