Happy World Breastfeeding Week! This month we are highlighting our Breastfeeding Peer Counselor (BFPC) Program. We interviewed Shasta, who has been a BFPC for the last four years. Shasta is the mother of four children and breastfed each of them for an entire year. She is a Certified Lactation Consultant and a Lactation Management Specialist. She is passionate about breastfeeding and supporting other mothers who want to breastfeed their babies. Read on to learn more about this priceless resource provided to new mothers through the WIC program.

What exactly is the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor (BFPC) Program?

The BFPC Program is peer to peer support that allows moms who breastfed their own kids, and also have extra training, to connect with moms on the WIC program. Most of the peer counselors were on the WIC program themselves at one time or another. These peer counselors are able to help new moms with some of the basics of breastfeeding, like getting a good latch and how often the baby should breastfeed.

One really important service we provide to new moms is the ability to get them into the clinic quickly if they need more breastfeeding help. We connect them first with one of our dietitians, who will decide if they need to be seen at the clinic. This is quicker than a mom trying to make an appointment at the clinic and can help get the problem taken care of sooner.

This program is like having a friend who has a lot of evidence-based knowledge who can support new moms, be a cheerleader, someone they can feel comfortable with and can ask any questions to. It is being able to talk to someone who is on your same level, but also has training, experience, and the correct information. 

How do you become a breastfeeding peer counselor?

There are a few requirements you must meet before you can become a BFPC. First, you have to successfully have breastfed at least one baby for at least six months. Second, you have to have a passion for breastfeeding. You have to want to learn more about breastfeeding and want to share your knowledge. You also have to have empathy for others.

What do breastfeeding peer counselors do?

The peer counselors are here to help if breastfeeding moms need it. It could be to talk, text, whatever works best for the participant. First, we contact a mom when she is pregnant and let her know who we are and how to get a hold of us. We will usually contact pregnant moms once a trimester. Then we will contact them just before the baby is born and answer any questions the mom may have about breastfeeding. We will talk about breastfeeding in the hospital, skin to skin contact, and what to expect in the first hour after the baby comes.

Next, we contact the mom within five days of the baby’s due date. We talk about any pain or soreness and what to expect from a newborn who is breastfeeding. If there are issues that can’t be fixed over the phone, we will refer the mom to a dietitian who is also trained in breastfeeding support. We contact the mother more frequently when the baby is younger, then less frequently later when she has gotten the hang of things. However, we are always available if issues come up.

How does a new mom get signed up for the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program?

When pregnant moms get on the WIC program, they will be asked whether they want a breastfeeding peer counselor. If it’s something they want, they can let their WIC educator know. They can also get signed up for the program when they bring their new infant in to be signed up for the program.

Tell me a little bit about your passion for breastfeeding and the peer counselor program.

I was raised to believe that breastfeeding is best. So, when I had my [first] baby, I knew I wanted to breastfeed. My baby and I worked together to get it right and breastfeeding made us really close. Helping other moms through breastfeeding challenges and celebrating their successes is the best part of my job!