Personal Experience Requirements

Below are the Personal Experience Requirements for mothers interested in applying to the Breastfeeding Counselor Education Program.

Each applicant shall:

Acknowledge that she has read supporting organizational documents* available on the Breastfeeding USA website and is able to work within the parameters and scope of a volunteer Breastfeeding Counselor as outlined in the Code of Ethics, Section 3.1
*Supporting documents include the Bylaws, Code of Ethics, and Breastfeeding Position Statement of Breastfeeding USA.

Understand the effectiveness of mother-to-mother support
Exhibit an understanding of the cultural barriers to breastfeeding success
Have a desire to learn more about breastfeeding and human lactation, and to share that knowledge within her community
Be committed to promote breastfeeding to become the cultural norm

Value nursing at the breast as the biologically normal way to nourish, nurture and comfort her baby
Have breastfed her baby for a minimum of one year. If baby has weaned, he nursed for at least the first year and his needs were respected during the weaning process (5/2012)
Have started giving her baby complementary foods (solids) when he demonstrated readiness, usually around the middle of the first year for a healthy, full-term baby
Recognize and respond to her baby's cues
Further recognize and respond to her baby's need for her presence* as well as her breast milk
*If regularly separated from her baby, the applicant must do (or must have done) so with understanding and sensitivity to her baby's needs.
*She demonstrates a willingness to maximize mother-baby togetherness and to give high priority to reconnection after a period of separation.

Value the diversity of mothers' experiences and recognizes the role that social values and cultural norms play in mothers' decisions
Exhibit a willingness to put aside her own personal biases when helping others
Exhibit empathy and a respectful attitude towards others
Have sufficient command of the English language to complete education in preparation for accreditation, and carry out the responsibilities of a Breastfeeding Counselor
Practice consistent and clear email communication, including being willing to read and reliably respond in a timely manner to messages from the organization. (5/2012)
Demonstrate, or be willing to develop, effective communication skills and an understanding of the principles of adult learning
Listen attentively and respond to mothers with sensitivity and validation of their feelings
Exhibit respectful parenting communication, empathy, and understanding of her child's (children's) needs and developmental abilities

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Adopted 2/2011
Revised 5/2012