Breastfeeding Peer Counselor-Cabell WIC

General Description

A WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor is a support person who gives basic breastfeeding information and encouragement to WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

• Has breastfed at least one baby (does not have to be currently breastfeeding).
• Is enthusiastic about breastfeeding, and wants to help other mothers enjoy a positive experience.
• Can work at least 8 hours a week.
• Has a telephone, and is willing to make or receive phone calls from home.

• Attends a series of breastfeeding classes (nursing babies are welcomed) which includes a 16-hour competency-based course overseen by the Local Agency Breastfeeding Coordinator.
• Observes other peer counselors or lactation consultants helping mothers breastfeed.
• Reads assigned books or materials about breastfeeding.
• Attends required Breastfeeding Peer Counselor trainings.

The peer counselor is supervised by the Local Agency Breastfeeding Coordinator.

• Attends breastfeeding training classes to become a peer counselor.
• Counsels WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers by telephone, home visits, and/or hospital visits at scheduled intervals determined by the local WIC program.
• Counsels women in the WIC clinic.
• Receives a caseload of WIC participants and makes routine periodic contacts with all clients assigned.
• Gives basic breastfeeding information and support to new mothers, including telling them about the benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers, and getting a good start with breastfeeding. She also helps mothers prevent and handle common breastfeeding concerns.
• Respects each participant by keeping her information strictly confidential.
• Keeps accurate records of all contacts made with WIC participants.
• Refers mothers, according to clinic-established protocols, to the WIC nutritionist or breastfeeding coordinator, lactation consultant, the mother’s physician or nurse, public health programs in the community, and social service agencies.
• Attends and assists with prenatal classes and breastfeeding support groups.
• Attends monthly staff meetings and breastfeeding conferences/workshops as appropriate.
• Reads assigned books and materials on breastfeeding that are provided by the supervisor.
• May assist WIC staff in promoting breastfeeding peer counseling through special projects and duties as assigned.

Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 8:00am-4:30pm (part-time)

• Entry level

• Part-time

• Other

• Non-profit Organizations