WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselors are available in over half of the 84 local WIC agencies in California. These specially trained mothers assist other mothers, to prepare for, initiate and maintain breastfeeding. Their duties include one-on-one counseling, teaching classes, leading support groups, and providing phone assistance. In some communities they are also helping in the hospital, at bedside. Their duties include making rounds with new mothers, leading a hospital support group, and working with the lactation consultant (IBCLC) and nursing staff. Mothers receive help positioning and latching their baby, with feeding assessments, bilingual/bicultural support and continuity of care. The result is hospitals and WIC agencies are working together to improve breastfeeding support.
Learn more: WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Program