Breast feeding tips, know why it is necessary to
have lactation specialist.
What
is a breastfeeding counsellor?
Australian Breastfeeding Association
breastfeeding counsellors are trained volunteers offering breastfeeding
information and mother-to-mother support. Breastfeeding counsellors:
- are volunteers offering their services free of charge
- have breastfed at least one baby
- hold a nationally-recognised Certificate IV in Breastfeeding Education (Counselling) (or equivalent)
- continually update their breastfeeding knowledge and skills through ongoing training.
Breastfeeding counsellors are not
medically trained and cannot give medical advice. If you have a medical issue
they will need to refer you to your medical advisor. Their area of expertise is
breastfeeding management.
What
do breastfeeding counsellors do?
Breastfeeding counsellors:
- provide telephone counselling on the Breastfeeding Helpline
- provide e-counselling
- run local support group meetings
- help administer their local support group
- and much more
Is
a breastfeeding counsellor a lactation consultant?
A breastfeeding counsellor is
different to a lactation specialist.
Lactation consultants:
- are health professionals
- hold an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) qualification
- operate through hospitals and child health services, or may be in private practice.