Why Should You Take the CLC Course?

by Eva Hodgdon, Education Director Mom2Mom KMC

In September of 2014, I took a leap of faith to follow my passion of helping mothers and babies; I took the CLC training course through the Healthy Children Project. It was a MAJOR leap. I had been a stay at home mom of an exclusively breastfed baby for 11 months. We experienced it all together-- sore, cracked, bleeding nipples, failure to thrive, lip tie and tongue tie, revisions-- you name it, we struggled with it and overcame it! So, why did I drive 4 hours to Rochester, New York, pay for a hotel, and take the course? Because where I came from, I had absolutely NO help. None, zero.  I had to change that. I had to make sure that, wherever I was, anyone that needed breastfeeding help and support in my area would have it, because it is incredibly difficult to go through this breastfeeding journey alone.  So I signed up as soon as it became available.

Before the course, I thought I was quite well versed about breastfeeding. After all, my son and I overcame so much, and people asked me for help all the time.  I read KellyMom articles and followed “Breast is Best” on Facebook; I was ready. However, the information I learned during the training was more than I ever expected! Not only did I learn so much more about breastfeeding, breast milk, and safe infant feeding, but I also learned how to communicate with mothers and families, and how to support them and help them achieve their individual goals. In addition, I learned how to make procedures and educate others to help change the face of infant feeding.

Day One of the course, I was so nervous. You remember that first day of high school and you accidentally walk down the senior hallway? I walked into the room and everyone seemed to have RN, PA, PhD or DR before or after their names.  Yep, first day of freshman year again. I felt SO out of my league; I showed up with my pump bag over my shoulder and like ten pens, shaking in my boots.

“Who was I to be there taking this course? “ I thought.

I was just a stay at home mom. 

But by the end of day one I was empowered. We are all MORE than JUST a title. I was a smart, intelligent woman capable of learning and doing whatever I had put my heart to. I was able to help others!

Since taking that course, I have helped so many mothers and babies by going to their homes, doing breastfeeding assessments to help get a better latch, and much more. All mothers and babies are different in their journeys, and it has been such a blessing to be able to assist them in continuing those journeys. I have also become a part of a large group of local families who have the same heart and passion as I do.

I personally encourage everyone who has the passion for breastfeeding, safe infant feeding, and has the heart to help others, to take the course! In this local area we have a large group of support, but where I just came from in New York, and where I grew up in Pennsylvania and Alabama, this kind of support is not there. The knowledge I gained from this course has been very valuable and I will use it for the rest of my life. 

Mom2Mom KMC is hosting Healthy Children's Center for Breastfeeding Certified Lactation Consultant (CLC) Training October 17-21 2016 in Landstuhl, Germany and the registration deadline is quickly approaching. A group discount code is available with Mom2Mom KMC and funding may be available through MyCAA.  There are limited scholarships available for local participants, the application can be found here: https://goo.gl/forms/5aTsTOPS1dN6UdbH2  You can register and get more information here.  Please contact us on Facebook or at info@mom2momkmc.org if you have any questions.  We hope to see you there!