Donate Donate
BMSG Counsellor Training FAQ

BMSG Counsellor Training FAQ

BMSG Counsellor Training FAQ

Shortcuts:

 

As Singapore’s first and only breastfeeding charity, the Breastfeeding Mothers’ Support Group (Singapore) (BMSG) conducts a yearly recruitment of volunteer breastfeeding counsellors.

Our breastfeeding counsellors are the backbone of our organisation and helm our various breastfeeding support platforms for breastfeeding mothers and families.

Our counsellors are rostered 9am-9pm daily on the following platforms:

Additionally, our counsellors also help to run in-person and virtual breastfeeding support meetings as well as monthly breastfeeding workshops catering to different segments of parents.

 

BMSG counsellors from Batch 2022

 

WHAT ARE THE PREREQUISITES OF BECOMING A BMSG COUNSELLOR?

Our breastfeeding counsellors must fulfil the following criteria:

  1. Must be a breastfeeding mum who has breastfed exclusively for a minimum of 9 months
  2. Able to commit and attend our 10-session training
  3. Complete all training assignments
  4. Pass the final assessment of the counsellor training
  5. Must abide by BMSG’s code of ethics and must be free from conflict of interest (more will be discussed during training)

Please note that there is a qualifying test and interview before candidates can be accepted for training. The test and interview ensure that candidates meet our baseline knowledge benchmark.

 

IS THE TRAINING FREE?

BMSG Counsellor Training is always free for members. We currently do not have training for non-members.

While the training is free for members, there are some out-of-pocket expenses which include:

  • Material fees (about $150+)
  • Recommended textbook (optional; $200+)

Candidates who are interested in becoming BMSG members can check out the membership pricing here.

Please note that as of 2024, all material and membership fees must be fully paid for before training commences.

BMSG counsellors from Batch 2017

WHEN IS THE TRAINING PERIOD? HOW LONG IS THE TRAINING?

  • The training will be conducted in-person in 2024.
  • There will be 10 sessions in total, including a final assessment conducted during the last session.
  • Each session will be 3 hours long.
  • Sessions in 2024 will be conducted on a weekend.
  • The 10 sessions will be spread over March – May depending on counsellor and venue availability, and will take into account breaks needed in between for public holidays.

 

CAN I BRING MY CHILD FOR THESE TRAINING SESSIONS?

Our training sessions welcome babies in arms. Beginning 2025, we will no longer allow toddlers or older children to attend sessions unless there is a family emergency.

BMSG counsellors from Batch 2018

IS THERE A BOND ONCE I GRADUATE? WHAT DO I NEED TO DO AS A BREASTFEEDING COUNSELLOR?

  • Becoming a breastfeeding counsellor is a volunteering opportunity. Counsellors will not receive any form of remuneration.
  • Breastfeeding counsellors are encouraged to serve with BMSG for a period of one year, holding 3 remote shifts a week.
  • Alternatively, counsellors can also include as part of their 3 remote shifts, a mixture of the following:
    • Remote counselling of twice a week on our counselling platforms (hotline, WhatsApp, Facebook)
    • Social media content creation (at least once in 2 weeks)
    • In-person or virtual breastfeeding support meetings
    • Conducting virtual or in-person workshops

BMSG counsellors of batch 2019

 

CAN I USE THE HOURS AS A COUNSELLOR FOR IBCLC CERTIFICATION?

Yes, the hours earned by BMSG counsellors can be recorded and used as part of IBCLC certification. However, tracking hours lies in the responsibility of counsellors who are IBCLC candidates. BMSG will not be responsible in tracking the hours as this is a laborious process which requires massive coordination.

For more information on the IBCLC certification, please refer to the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) website here.

BMSG has also conducted a webinar detailing how individuals can obtain the IBCLC certification. You can purchase the webinar recording here.

 

COUNSELLOR TRAINING 2025

We will be launching the Counsellor Training for 2025 very soon! Watch this space or follow us on our socials: Facebook, Instagram

 

 

FUNDRAISE