BCNP Program Operation
The Breastfeeding Counselor Networking Program (BCNP) was established in 2016 and is based at Pusat Rawatan Pakar Kanak-Kanak Adda, located in Johor, Malaysia.
All breastfeeding consultation requests and clinic appointments are attended to as soon as possible by dedicated staff via telephone at 07-3645398 and the BCNP official website: https://www.permatasusuan.com.
By accessing the website above, mothers requesting breastfeeding counselling services are provided with three options to select from:
- Home visits: A certified lactation counsellor will visit the mother in the comfort of her own home for a face-to-face counselling session.
- Video call: A certified lactation counsellor will guide the mother via video call or online platforms such as Whatsapp, Zoom, Google Meet, etc.
- Clinic appointment: Mothers can make an appointment at a nearby breastfeeding-friendly clinic that is on the BCNP list.
The payment for the counselling session will be made by the client to Pusat Rawatan Pakar Kanak-Kanak Adda, and at the end of the month, the counsellor will receive an allowance for her services.
The idea of paying for the services of lactation counsellors serves two purposes. Firstly, it is a source of motivation for counsellors to be more proactive in helping mothers, sharing knowledge and volunteering when there are clients in need. Secondly, it is believed that the client will be more appreciative of the counselling session and will strive to apply the knowledge gained to successfully breastfeed her baby. Although BCNP counsellors only receive a small token of payment, it will help to cover their expenses for the services offered. Some counsellors are housewives and are able to provide their services full-time. This also serves as a source of income for them. Others contribute their services on a part-time basis as they enjoy the flexibility of fixing appointments with their clients according to their own schedules.
In addition to producing educational videos, BCNP also organises seminars/webinars, conferences, training, and short courses to ensure the lactation activists of BCNP and other healthcare professionals are constantly updated with CORRECT, COMPLETE, and CONVINCING information with regards to breastfeeding so that they provide the best service to the community.
Breastfeeding Counselling Fees
1. Home visit
Fees vary according to the counsellor’s certification level, duration of the counselling session, and distance to the client’s house. These are at the discretion of the counsellor.
Lactation Consultant (IBCLC): RM 100 – RM 120
Lactation counsellor: RM 60 – RM 80
BF Peer Counsellor: RM 50 – RM 70
If the distance to the client’s house exceeds a 30 km round-trip radius, an extra charge of RM 10 applies to cover the counsellor’s transportation cost.
2. Video Call (Minimum 1 hour)
Fees vary according to the counsellor’s certification level, duration of the counselling session and are at the discretion of the counsellor.
Lactation Consultant: RM 70 – RM 90
Lactation Counsellor: RM 50 – RM 70
BF Peer Counsellor: RM 40 – RM 50