DC WIC POLICY & PROCEDURE MANUAL

Policy 2.012 1 | P a g e Title: Breastfeeding Contact Requirements Category: Nutrition and Breastfeeding Education CFR Reference: 7 CFR § 246.11 Policy Number: 2.012 Effective Date: 8/15/23 Revised Date: 8/15/23

POLICY STATEMENT The Local Agency establishes procedures for BFPCs to contact and refer pregnant and postpartum participants to ensure adequate breastfeeding care and support. PROCEDURE 1. The Local Agency ensures that the initial breastfeeding assessment is performed by a CPA/CPPA and is documented in the participant’s record in accordance with DC WIC policy 2.003 Nutrition and Breastfeeding Assessment. The CPA/CPPA is responsible for referring participants into the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor (BFPC) program. If a participant declines to participate in the BFPC program, the WIC staff member must document as such in the participant’s record. 2. The Local Agency determines the frequency of BFPC contacts with the following minimum standards: a. Participants should have at least one contact with a BFPC during their pregnancy, and b. Participants should have at least one contact with a BFPC after delivery. 3. The Local Agency must ensure BFPCs document: a. All successful contacts and contact attempts in the Peer Counselor Screen of the MIS. b. Future callback dates within appropriate timeframes established by the Local Agency. c. The content of the successful contact in the participant’s note section of the MIS at the discretion of the BFPC for continuity of care. 4. The State Agency recommends more frequent breastfeeding contact and support for high-risk pregnant and postpartum participants (e.g., pregnant with multiples, history of preterm or early term delivery, etc.) in accordance with DC WIC policy 2.008 Serving High Risk Participants. a. The Local Agency DBE or breastfeeding authority will determine the need for more frequent breastfeeding contact and support. b. The BFPC may continue to contact participants with breastfeeding concerns outside of their scope but may not provide counseling or education on these issues. REFERENCES FNS WIC Nutrition Service Standard # 9 FNS WIC Breastfeeding Policy and Guidance (2016) DC WIC Policies 2.003 Nutrition and Breastfeeding Assessment, 2.008 Serving High Risk Participants