What is a BRC Community Counselor?
Our Community Counselors are mothers who have nursed their own babies and have taken an extensive training class. This qualifies them to counsel mothers over the phone or by email. The Community Counselors offer non-medical breastfeeding information. Every client that walks through our doors has the opportunity to sign up for a community counselor. Our Community Counselors can help ensure that mothers have support from the time they walk through our doors until they’re ready to wean!
If you are interested in becoming a Community Counselor, learn about our training here!
BRC Community Counselor Code of Conduct
- Provide guidance to families that protects, promotes, and supports breastfeeding, while respecting the counselee’s breastfeeding goals.
- Provide families with accurate breastfeeding information rather than personal advice.
- Always present yourself as a volunteer counselor and provide only non-medical information.
- Even if you maintain a professional medical credential, you should remain within your role as a volunteer counselor when working with BRC families.
- BRC Counselors will navigate through the organization’s predetermined chain of command if a medical concern arises.
- Treat everyone fairly and with respect. The BRC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, marital status, or religion.
- The BRC is an inclusive facility. We welcome all members of the LGBTQ+ community. We support all forms of breastfeeding, chest feeding, and induced lactation.
- Preserve confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA guidelines.
How Do I Become a Community Counselor?
Area moms, who have nursed (or pumped for) their own babies for at least 6 months and have a passion to help other families succeed in their breastfeeding journey, are welcome to sign up for our Counselor Training Class. These classes will be offered twice a year and include a rigorous curriculum taught by our very own IBCLCs. Once the course is completed, you will receive your certificate and be added to the list of available counselors. The BRC requires child abuse clearances and HIPPA training for all of our active Community Counselors.