Baby Café Breastfeeding Counselor (BCBC) Mentoring Program

​The Baby Café Breastfeeding Counselor (BCBC) Mentoring Program is a student-directed training pathway designed for community members and professionals who want to gain breastfeeding counseling experience, develop clinical skills, or accrue qualifying hours toward the IBCLC (International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant) exam. This program combines hands-on learning in Baby Café settings with guided mentorship from experienced facilitators.
About the BCBC Program
The BCBC program offers structured, practical experience in real-world breastfeeding support environments. Under the guidance of a Lead Facilitator mentor, students learn evidence-based counseling skills, group facilitation techniques, and how to assist families in meeting their individual breastfeeding goals.

Students participating in the program will:
  • Attend licensed Baby Café sessions regularly to observe and learn core skills
  • Practice counseling techniques such as positioning, latch support, supply concerns, and recognizing situations requiring IBCLC intervention
  • Develop competencies through online documentation and a clinical skills checklist
  • Engage in goal setting, SOAP-style reporting, and mentor feedback
  • Complete a final exam and reflective mentor evaluation as part of certification
Upon successful completion, graduates receive a BCBC certificate, and may be qualified to assist in facilitating Baby Café meetings, volunteer under mentor supervision, or work in paid roles at Tier 2 or Tier 3 Cafés where staffing includes breastfeeding counselors.

Who Can Participate
The BCBC program is open to individuals passionate about breastfeeding support, including:
  • Community members interested in breastfeeding counseling
  • Health professionals seeking applied lactation experience
  • Those pursuing the clinical hours required for IBCLC certification

Program Requirements & Process
Before applying, you must:
  1. Locate your nearest licensed Baby Café and attend regularly
  2. Speak with the Lead Facilitator about becoming your mentor
  3. Confirm the mentor’s agreement to support your participation
  4. Complete the online BCBC Applicant Form once accepted by your mentor team
A program fee covers curriculum materials and access to online documentation tools. Scholarship opportunities may be available for applicants facing financial hardship.

Continuing Education
BCBC certificants are expected to maintain and expand their breastfeeding counseling knowledge. Recertification includes demonstrating continuing education, such as volunteering at Baby Cafés, attending relevant conferences or webinars, or pursuing higher lactation education.

Ready to Apply?
If you are ready to begin your BCBC journey, start by visiting a licensed Baby Café and speaking with the Lead Facilitator about mentorship. Once your mentor is confirmed, complete the BCBC application through our online portal.

Baby Café USA Training Program (BCBC) FAQs

What is a BCBC?
A Baby Breastfeeding Counselor who has been trained at a Baby Café by the Lead Facilitator and fulfilled the requirements of the program. The Lead Facilitator mentors and guides the student through gaining clinical and counseling skill
What role(s) can a BCBC fulfill once she is certified?
Once certified, BCBCs are prepared to:
  • Facilitate a Baby Café meeting and continue to volunteer under their mentors
  • Fill a paid staff position of a Tier 2 or 3 Café.
    • A solo BCBC cannot independently run “Café meetings”
  • If a Baby Café is not available where she lives, a BCBC might start one through BCUSA, or apply to function as part of another organization
    • (i.e. WIC, LaLeche) within the scope of their BCBC certification.
  • The scope of BCBC certification is aligned with LLL and CLC practice scopes.
  • The program qualifies for the counseling hours necessary to take the IBCLC exam
As long as she maintains certification, and is involved with a current Baby Café, the BCBC will have continued access to the Baby Café resource bank, and hopefully will maintain a relationship with the mentor and IBCLC associated with that Baby Café. Our hope is that many BCBCs will continue their education to become IBCLCs, work within Baby Cafés, or qualify for staff positions similar to those currently filled by CLCs and other certified lactation counselors.

How long does it take for someone to complete the BCBC program and become certified?
Time frames vary depending on the candidate’s prior knowledge and experience, and any other professional work with breastfeeding couplets during the study period. Candidates will be expected to regularly attend their Baby Café until they can demonstrate competency in the clinical skills outlined in the BCBC curriculum. Competence is documented in each student's Skills Checklist, and includes mastering key elements of and assessment, counseling, and group facilitation.  Exceptions would only be made for illness or other compelling reasons
Once certified, are there any requirements for hours of continuing education? 
Recertification will require a minimum of 18 breastfeeding CEUS in 3 years.
What is the first step?
Start attending a Baby Café and speak to the facilitator about your interest. Once she has agreed to mentor you, you will fill out the application form online
What is the process for handling violations and what are the consequences of violating the policies?
Baby Café USA has in place an internal board review process for revocation or denial of BCBC certification requiring all issues/complaints to be examined and recorded in writing; this will be reviewed by the Baby Café USA board.