Resume Question

To put in that you've been a SAHM is just fine in this instance. Go with a basic format for a resume. Don't go into a lot of detail. You can go into detail in the interview. To have some letters of recommendation is wonderful, but just have that as an "added bonus" to the references. Most employers just want to be able to glance at a resume and talk face to face with the person to find out more.

GOOD LUCK!!!

I wouldn't include it in the work section of the resume, but in the cover letter. A well written cover letter is almost as important as the resume. In there you can explain why you feel you are teh right person for the poistion. You can also stress your interpersonal skills (advising the other moms), and offer to provide references upon request.

Just my 2cents - hopefully there will be a Mom in the HR field who chimes in...

Good luck!

Shaun,
Here are my two cents. If you were applying for a position else where and of different title, I would say not to put that you have been a stay at home mom; that information you could reveal it at your interview. But given the position that you are looking for "is" related somewhat to what you do at home and you have experience in the matter I would mention it in your resume. And yes, I would get letters of recommendation from the other mothers that you have helped.
You are applying for a position that you have "hands on" experience on. So, therefore that would be something you need to let them know.
Blessigns

I didn't read the other answers, but since I was recently laid off my former employer paid for a management company to help all of us with our job search. One thing you know is that you no longer have to do the 'chronological' resume anymore and you probably need to look into a hybrid resume that just lists your talents and experience, but does not really say i worked here from this time to this time or whatever... look it up you should be able to find some good ones to use on line. Good Luck!

I recieve resumes all day. I decide who gets a call back and who doesn't. So, I have a differant perspective to add. I do read cover letters if they aren't boring, vanilla, generic form letters. Don't go into alot of detail. Just tell why you would be a good fit. Not too much personal stuff - no baggage! Not the place to tell that you are recently divorced or whatever. Be careful of spelling and grammar. I generally scan a resume before reading to see the general organization and if I pick up a lot of typos it just becomes a joke and ends up in the trash. Keep it to one page. Don't try to pad with long wordy explanations. I don't read the objective, because they are usually generic. I do like when people give a brief explanation on resume of gaps in employment, but please don't list all the duties sahm entails. Anyone that's ever had a mom knows that stuff. If you, however, ran a small business out of the house or organized for community organizations, did volunteer work, held any offices on the PTA or something, list that. Even if you were administrator on an internet discussion board. That kind of stuff shows leadership and organization. I want to see that whatever you did, you put your all into it. For this particular job you have a little more le-way to add the mom stuff in. I would want to see that you had researched the subject and were a bit more of an expert than the average mom. So, in the cover letter let a little of your passion for the benfits of breastfeeding show, along with the work you have done to better educate yourself. for example... "While peparing for motherhood, one of the easiest and best decisions I made was to breastfeed. I saw it as an honor and took every opportunity to learn as much as I could about the techniques and benefits. I sought out resources such as La Leche League, became a regular reader and contributor to lactation discussion boards, read several books, and found myself advising other new moms that had questions. I know my passion and experience would allow me an easy rapport with expectant moms, making me a great fit for this position." It's also good to show that you researched the company and embrace thier philosophy. "In my research I found organizations like this one to be particularly helpful. It's so important for young women to have a resource, such as this, and I would be honored to be a part of it."
Hope that helps.
You can go to emurse.com to make a quick, easy, free resume. Just fill in the blanks and pick your favorite template.

This is awesome. Great job for a SAHM since you have the experience first hand, plus helping friends. Yes 1 year of breastfeeding helps you to be qualified. Perhaps write it as "I have 1 1/2 years of first-hand experience, nursing my own child till she was 18 months."

Yes put that you were a SAHM for two years. They'll be glad to know that nursing was important enough for you to stay home and take care of your little one instead of going straight back to work.

Duties -- use verbs in each bullet "Nursed baby, Cared for family's needs, Performed household chores"

and with your friends and helping them with BFeeding, use a phrase like "aided seven first-time nursing mothers with proper latching, proper positiioning of infant, proper storage of breastmilk, and basic information about breastmilk and caring for themselves."

Good luck!

I second cover letter. It is not appropriate or cute to put SAHM on a resume.

You can go online to any of the free websites for job seekers and use a template to build your resume. There have been some changes in formatting in recent years. Some also have free resume critiques that may help you get a professional perspective on how to present your choice to stay at home.

Cover letters are a debatable issue. Very few people actually read them anymore. It's simply impossible with the volume of resumes employers are receiving for each open position. Same with resumes. Often they're scanned by computer programs for key words. But, I would still write the cover letter and simply state that you made the choice to stay home with your child/children following their birth(s) and are now wanting to return to the work force. If anyone would understand, it would be a company seeking a lactation consultant.

Be careful of scams. There are a lot of them out there, and they'll tell you that they can guarantee you a job for a $350 resume writing fee.

If you have friends who are hiring managers or work in HR/Recruiting, I'd definitely ask them what they recommend.

GOOD LUCK!

The letters of recommendations cannot hurt either.

Yes, it's ok to say you were a SAHM, but everyone is aware of what a mom does so no need to put it on your resume. Since the position is for a lactation consult, I would include that you nursed your child.

Ask the ladies you assisted with nursing if you can use them as a reference. Personally, I would not ask them for a letter of recommendation. Of course, if they offer, I wouldn't turn it down.

Don't forget to list any volunteer work you may have done while out of the workforce.

I think Joanne T. is exactly right.