BREASTFEEDING PROMOTION & SUPPORT WPPM # 630-11 Subject: Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Program Item: Peer Counseling Supervisor / IBCLC: Requirements and Responsibilities

PURPOSE: Provides information on the Breastfeeding Peer Counseling (BPC) Program supervision. POLICY: I. The local agency (LA) with a BPC Program must designate a PC Supervisor/ International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) specifically for the BPC Program. A. In order to provide the maximum amount of direct services to BPC Program participants, standard practice is to have an IBCLC provide lactation services and supervision of BPC staff. If the BPC Program is large enough to justify the need for both an IBCLC and a separate PC Supervisor, the LA must submit a justification in the BPC Program Request for Funding beginning with the October, 2013 fiscal year. PROCEDURE(S): I. Qualifications – PC Supervisor / IBCLC A. The PC Supervisor / IBCLC must remain current in their International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) certification and breastfeeding knowledge and skills as required by IBCLE. II. Responsibilities of PC Supervisor / IBCLC A. The PC Supervisor / IBCLC must oversee and be responsible for: 1. Initial and ongoing training of the Peer Counselors (PCs) based on the WPPM 630-14 for training. 2. A system for referring WIC clients to PCs. 3. A system for referring BPC Program participants to the BPC Program IBCLC for breastfeeding problems outside the PC’s scope of work. 4. Ongoing continuous quality improvement plan based on the WPPM 630-15 (CQI). 5. PCs adherence to WIC confidentiality requirements and the WPPM 140-20 (Employee Security Affidavit and User Identification) requirements. 6. Ongoing PC recognition program, which affirms and supports PCs, in an effort to improve PC retention. Revised California WIC Policy and Procedure Manual Page 1 of 3 March 7, 2013

BREASTFEEDING PROMOTION & SUPPORT WPPM # 630-11 Subject: Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Program Item: Peer Counseling Supervisor / IBCLC: Requirements and Responsibilities

Revised California WIC Policy and Procedure Manual Page 2 of 3 March 7, 2013 7. Establishment of community partnerships to increase awareness and improve communication to promote a breastfeeding-friendly culture in their community. 8. Completion of the CDPH/WIC required reports and assessments using the templates provided by CDPH/WIC. 9. Ensuring the availability of services outside of normal work hours. 10. Providing technical breastfeeding expertise to PCs in a timely manner. 11. Providing breastfeeding counseling to high risk BPC Program participants who have been referred by the PC. 12. Mentoring PCs and other WIC staff. 13. Assisting with monthly PC meetings and breastfeeding in-service trainings. III. Separate PC Supervisor or IBCLC Positions A. When the position of PC Supervisor and IBCLC is separated, the LA must determine which duties of Section I.A., 1 through 13 above and Sections III and IV below are the responsibility of the PC Supervisor or the responsibility of the IBCLC. B. The IBCLC must perform the duties of at least Section I. A., 10 through 13 above. IV. Access and Availability A. The PC Supervisor / IBCLC must ensure that the PCs: 1. Have regular weekly contacts with their supervisor, either in person, by telephone, or electronically. 2. Have timely access to the BPC Program IBCLC, either in person, by phone, or electronically. 3. Have the opportunity to see BPC Program participants face-to-face. 4. Meet with fellow PCs on a monthly basis including monthly PC staff meetings, monthly in-services on breastfeeding topics, and case study reviews. 5. Are included in WIC staff meetings and team-building activities on a regular basis.

BREASTFEEDING PROMOTION & SUPPORT WPPM # 630-11 Subject: Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Program Item: Peer Counseling Supervisor / IBCLC: Requirements and Responsibilities

Revised California WIC Policy and Procedure Manual Page 3 of 3 March 7, 2013 V. Exit Surveys A. The PC Supervisor / IBCLC must ensure that: 1. Exit surveys are conducted with at least 5 percent of the participants, within two weeks after they leave the BPC Program. The survey tool is to be developed by the local agency and kept on file for review by CDPH/WIC. 2. Every PC completes an exit survey when she leaves her position. AUTHORITY: All State Memorandum (ASM) 04-27 – Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Grants/Training, April 8, 2004 Loving Support© Through Peer Counseling: A Journey Together – for WIC Managers, USDA, November, 2011 Loving Support© Frequently Asked Questions 2011 Loving Support© Model for a Successful Peer Counseling Program CROSS REFERENCE: WPPM 140-20 Employee Security Affidavit and User Identification WPPM 630-14 Training Requirements WPPM 630-15 CQI