DC WIC POLICY & PROCEDURE MANUAL

Policy 2.011 1 | P a g e Title: Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program Category: Breastfeeding Peer Counseling CFR Reference: n/a Policy Number: 2.011 Effective Date: 1/1/2016 Revised Date: 8/15/23

POLICY STATEMENT The Breastfeeding Peer Counselor (BFPC) program must be made available to participants and adhere to the standards set by the State Agency. PROCEDURE The Local Agency must ensure the following: 1. All BFPCs complete the required training in accordance with DC WIC policy 2.009 Breastfeeding Education and Support Overview and 4.004 Staff Training. Additional training and support should be offered to BFPCs as needed. 2. The BFPC works under the direction of the Local Agency Breastfeeding Coordinator, Designated Breastfeeding Expert (DBE), Lactation Consultant, or the designated CPA at her site. All matters should be directed toward the on-site supervisor or State Breastfeeding Coordinator as appropriate. 3. The BFPC follows established yielding/referring procedures for issues outside of their scope of practice in accordance with DC WIC policy 4.002 Position Descriptions and attachment 2.011A BFPC Scope of Practice. 4. All BFPCs document in accordance with DC WIC policy 2.012 BFPC Contact Requirements. 5. Monthly records related to breastfeeding contacts must be submitted to the State Agency by the 10th of the following month via email to info.wic@dc.gov. 7. BFPCs will be available to participants outside of regular clinic hours, as needed. DEFINITIONS Designated Breastfeeding Expert (DBE) – an individual who is an expert with special experience or training in helping breastfeeding mothers and who provides breastfeeding experience and care for more complex breastfeeding problems when WIC staff face situations outside of their scope of practice. Individuals with this designation can be WIC staff including Breastfeeding Coordinators, IBCLCs, CLCs, or nutritionists. REFERENCES FNS WIC Nutrition Service Standard # 9 FNS WIC Breastfeeding Policy and Guidance DC WIC Policies 2.009 Breastfeeding Education and Support Overview, 2.012 BFPC Contact Requirements, 4.002 Position Descriptions, 4.004 Staff Training ATTACHMENTS & FORMS 2.011A Scope of Practice for Breastfeeding Peer Counselors