"Without the support of my Peer Counselor I probably would've stopped breastfeeding right away - it was much harder than I thought it was going to be. With her encouragement and guidance I was able to learn some breast- feeding techniques that made things much easier and now we are both doing great." -Amy, WIC mom
WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselors are paraprofessionals who have breastfed their babies and are enthusiastic about helping others be successful with breastfeeding.
To be eligible to have a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor you must be:
- receiving WIC benefits. Find out how to apply for WIC.
- pregnant or have an infant 30 days old or younger
- a first time mom or a mother who had challenges breastfeeding their previous babies
WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselors connect with each mom on a monthly basis during her pregnancy to answer breastfeeding and pregnancy-related questions, assist with referrals and dispel any breastfeeding myths or fears.
Once your new baby arrives, your Peer Counselor will help answer any questions you may have regarding breastfeeding, let you know what is normal, and can connect you with an IBCLC if you have concerns.
Resources
- California WIC
- CalFresh
- BenefitsCal
- Shasta County WIC Online Classes
- Shasta Growers Association (SGA)
- UC Davis Human Lactation Center
- Eat Fresh
- Find Shasta Moms' Circles on Facebook
- msaulsbury [at] hopeshasta.org (Pathways to Hope)