What is a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist?

Last month, I completed over 52 hours of online training to become a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS). I made the choice to invest in this training because I have seen firsthand how motor challenges affect an infant’s ability to successfully breastfeed. In fact, I share the opinion many well-known infant physical therapists that breastfeeding should be considered an infant’s first motor milestone. Most often, if breastfeeding isn’t going well, it will also lead to motor delays in the coming months such as difficulty with tummy time, decreased rolling, etc.

I received my CBS training from Lactation Education Resources, who also certifies lactation consultants. I received education about infant’s oral anatomy, composition of human milk, the normal course of pregnancy and lactation, cultural considerations for breastfeeding, nutrition for breastfeeding, pathologies related to breastfeeding, and the effects of medications.

As a physical therapist, I most enjoyed learning about infant oral motor needs for successful latch and suck, as well as a variety of breastfeeding positions. This training confirmed that successful breastfeeding requires strength, coordination, and functional mobility. This is where physical therapists are experts! Increased body tension that is so common with infants, especially those with tongue ties, affects their ability to latch, suck with coordination, and tolerate positions required for breastfeeding success.

I now feel more confident than ever to support breastfeeding infants and their caregivers, and communicate and collaborate with the amazing lactation consultants we have in southern New Hampshire. If your baby is struggling with breastfeeding, reach out! There is so much I can do to help.