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collaborations allow for targeted local interventions and raise awareness of the WIC Program, WIC Breastfeeding Support and the WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Program.

While DPH ended its contract with the Hispanic Health Council Breastfeeding Heritage and Pride (BHP) program for peer services in Hartford, local agencies in the service areas have worked to maintain Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with HHC-BHP to ensure continuity of care for shared families.

9. Provision of the following to peer counselors: Timely access to breastfeeding coordinators and other lactation experts for assistance with problems outside of peer counselor scope of practice Infrastructure at local agencies allows for access to DBE and IBCLC’s.

Peers are mentored by staff IBCLC’s employed by WIC local agencies. Four are also Nutritionists. The WIC IBCLC/DBE are partially funded by the peer counseling grant. WIC IBCLC/DBE have access to medical support as needed through their host agencies.

Peer Counseling staff Performance Plan addresses: • Regular, systematic contact with supervisor/DBE/IBCLC. • Participation in WIC clinic staff meetings and breastfeeding in-services as part of the WIC team • Opportunities to meet regularly with other peer counselors.

WIC clinic-based Peer Counselor Performance Plan Goals: Successfully complete peer counselor training process. (Levels 1-2 of WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum and applicable post-tests). Demonstrate competencies based on supervisor observation. Follow-up on all prenatal referrals within 1 week of assignment; postpartum within one day. Content of all visits according to training and protocols is provided based on program Forms. Thorough and accurate documentation of all contacts and attempted contacts. Participation in required (weekly) meetings with WIC IBCLC and supervisor as needed. maintain regular communication with IBCLC and other WIC staff according to protocol and as needed Participation in monthly peer counseling virtual team meetings for training and coordination activities with peer programs throughout Connecticut and State WIC staff. After the call IBCLC’s and State staff have specific time for peer management teams. This is utilized as needed. Engage in community outreach per instructed by WIC IBCLC mentor or clinic supervisor to foster continuity of care for peer counseling participants.