DC WIC POLICY & PROCEDURE MANUAL

Policy 2.009 1 | P a g e Title: Breastfeeding Education and Support Overview Category: Nutrition and Breastfeeding Education CFR Reference: 7 CFR § 246.11(e)(1) 7 CFR § 246.2 Policy Number: 2.009 Effective Date: 1/1/2016 Revised Date: 8/15/2023

POLICY STATEMENT Breastfeeding education, promotion, and support must be thoroughly integrated into the State and Local Agency operations and made available to all pregnant and breastfeeding participants. All pregnant participants must be encouraged to breastfeed unless contraindicated for health reasons. PROCEDURE 1. The State Agency and Local Agency ensure that all staff receiving initial and ongoing training in breastfeeding promotion and support in accordance with DC WIC policy 4.004 Staff Training. 2. Breastfeeding promotion and support activities must be outlined in the State and Local Agency’s Nutrition Services Plans in accordance with DC WIC policy 2.001 State Agency Nutrition Services Plan and 2.002 Local Agency Nutrition Services Plan. The Local Agency may provide breastfeeding promotion and support in one or more of the following ways: • Implement WIC’s Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Program in accordance with DC WIC policy 2.011 Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program. • Provide online breastfeeding education via recorded (asynchronous) classes, articles, videos, or other modules. • Provide live breastfeeding classes or support groups, virtually or in-person. • Provide live app-based consultation for breastfeeding support. • Enter into an agreement with an organization to provide CLC, IBCLC, or other advanced breastfeeding support to WIC participants. • Any other breastfeeding promotion and support delivery method approved by the State Agency. 3. The Local Agency monitors that all staff provide breastfeeding education, promotion and support to participants appropriate to their job roles and responsibilities in accordance with DC WIC policy 4.002 Position Descriptions. a. The Local Agency provides initial breastfeeding education and support training as part of new employee orientation. b. The Local Agency establishes procedures for yielding/referring participants to the proper supporting authority when breastfeeding concerns fall out of scope of practice for staff members. c. For participants in which breastfeeding is not possible or contraindicated, the CPA must document this information in the participant’s care plan note in this MIS.

DC WIC POLICY & PROCEDURE MANUAL

Policy 2.009 2 | P a g e 4. The State and Local Agency ensure staff provide accurate and up-to-date breastfeeding messages from reputable sources including Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). REFERENCES 7 CFR 246.11(e)(1) 7 CFR 246.2 FNS WIC Nutrition Services Standard # 8 FNS WIC Breastfeeding Policy and Guidance DC WIC policies 2.001 State Agency Nutrition Services Plan, 2.002 Local Agency Nutrition Services Plan, 2.013 Breastfeeding Aids and Supplies, 4.002 Position Descriptions, 4.004 Staff Training