Breastfeeding counsellor, postpartum doula, lactation consultant, GP, midwife - finding it hard to know who to go to and when? Thankfully, ABA’s qualified volunteers are here for you.
ABA's full range of educational classes, local and online support groups, as well as individual breastfeeding counselling is all inclusive in your annual membership.
ABA's qualified volunteers are here to help
Breastfeeding counsellor
Certificate IV in Breastfeeding Education
provides individual counselling on the Breastfeeding Helpline and in person at local group activities
specialises in breastfeeding counselling, but can also provide breastfeeding education
organises and facilitates local support group activities
has breastfed at least one baby
receives regular training to update their breastfeeding knowledge and skills
Breastfeeding educator
Certificate IV in Breastfeeding Education
provides information and support via LiveChat and in person at local group activities
delivers breastfeeding education online or face-to-face, along with other presentations to a variety of audiences
organises and facilitates local support group activities
can be male or female
receives regular training to update their breastfeeding knowledge and skills
ABA's personalised breastfeeding support
Our breastfeeding counsellors provide personalised counselling for all manner of breastfeeding situations and concerns from the simple to the complex. This is done within ABA's scope of practice for volunteers, which excludes providing medical advice or information about medications.
If you have questions connected with a medical condition or medication, consult your doctor or child health nurse.
At times, ABA volunteers may consider that your breastfeeding situation needs medical care which is beyond their scope of practice. In this case we will suggest that you see a lactation consultant - with an IBCLC qualification, or a breastfeeding medicine doctor.
International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs)
ABA services are not delivered by lactation consultants. There are important differences between breastfeeding counsellors and lactation consultants.
Lactation consultants:
- work in hospitals and child health services, or in private practice
- offer breastfeeding advice for a fee
- hold an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) qualification
Find a lactation consultant (IBCLC qualified) in Australia or New Zealand.
Breastfeeding Medicine Network Australia/New Zealand
Practitioners belonging to this organisation are doctors with breastfeeding interest or doctors who are also an IBCLC.