WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

Job Title

Promotes breastfeeding with women and their families by providing emotional support, instruction and general information.

Job Responsibilities

1. Provides emotional support to mothers and significant others through personal counseling.

2. Provides mothers with advice on normal breastfeeding and related problem avoidance.

3. Provides general information on the effect of foods, medications and home remedies on lactation within training guidelines.

4. Advocates breastfeeding to the community.

5. Understands and addresses related cultural attitudes and practices.

6. Assists in teaching breastfeeding classes.

7. Provides information and additional help sources to nursing mothers.

8. Participates in peer support groups.

9. Obtains verbal permission for physical interaction with baby and/or mother.

10. Maintains current records and practices confidentiality.

11. Refers appropriate questions and issues to the breastfeeding coordinator.

12. Assists in recruiting breastfeeding peer counselor candidates.

13. Attends related meeting and public forums.

14. Performs related duties as required.

Job Qualification

• High school diploma or equivalent, required

• Successful completion of the WIC (women, infants children) agency's peer counselor training program required within six months of hire.

• Ability to demonstrate various positioning techniques, increasing and decreasing breast milk supply; expressing milk and safe, effective collection and storage of breast milk.

• Current or former WIC participant in community served by the local WIC agency required.

• Ability to communicate effectively. Support skills and enthusiasm for assisting other women.

• Reliable access to a telephone and transportation