Nursing Mothers Counsel counselors are volunteers who go through extensive training in either Redwood City or Santa Cruz, CA to become skilled counselors. We do not have a remote training option. Training is usually 8 consecutive weekly sessions 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m
Each member has
nursed their baby for at least six months
received 20 hours of lactation education
taken a comprehensive exam
completed reading requirements
attended an NMC lactation class given via zoom
shadowed with a lactation consultant or participated in a home visit
counseled parents under the supervision of an advisor
New members serve a provisional period of six months, under the guidance of an experienced member who serves as an advisor/mentor. New members are often parents who receive assistance from NMC counselors and want to support other new parents so they, too, can have a successful and positive nursing experience.
NMC expects that after we invest the effort in training and mentoring our volunteers,
that they would volunteer the 15-30 hours per year for 2-3 years. We do understand when life’s circumstances change and a member needs to step back from counseling but hopefully our volunteers enjoy the rewards of helping others so much that they continue with NMC for a long time. Some of our members have been involved for over 35 years
New member training is held every 1-2 years, usually in Spring. If you are interested in joining the next training or have questions about becoming a counselor, please complete the form below, and our Membership Chair will be in touch. We always welcome lactation professionals who want to help recent families in a volunteer capacity.
Please note that for those interested in becoming IBCLCs, if you are following Pathway I, NMC does NOT provide hours of lactation-specific clinical practice in a supervised setting. If interested in becoming a CLE, NMC does not provide CLE certification. NMC has volunteer counselor