Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program (BFCP) BFPC-5 BFPC Supervisor 1

Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention WIC Nutrition Program Effective: October 1, 2012 Policy No. BFPC-5 Revised: October 1, 2022

Required Credentials and Training for Local Agency Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Supervisors

Authority 22 MRSA §255 and §1951 10-144 CMR Chapter 286, §II.J.8 USDA All States Memorandum 04-27, “Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Grants/Training” (April 8, 2004)

Policy

1. Local Agencies applying for a WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor/Mom to Mom Program shall have a breastfeeding peer counselor supervisor on staff with the credentials of a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) or an International Board Certified Lactation Consult (IBCLC). 2. Breastfeeding peer counselor supervisors shall identify and participate in continuing education opportunities offered through trainings, conferences and webinars. 3. Breastfeeding peer counselor supervisors shall work with other breastfeeding peer counselor supervisors and the State Agency Breastfeeding Coordinator for collaborative training needs (including change of policies and procedures) as they arise.

Procedures 1. The individual responsible for managing breastfeeding peer counselors shall, at a minimum:

1.1 Participate in six credit hours of relevant continuing education annually.

1.2 Receive WIC Breastfeeding curriculum training.

2. In addition to the credentialing requirement, the individual responsible for managing breastfeeding peer counselors is recommended to have the following:

2.1 Demonstrated expertise in breastfeeding management and promotion.

Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program (BFCP) BFPC-5 BFPC Supervisor 2

2.2 A minimum of one year of experience counseling breastfeeding women.

2.3 Prior supervisory experience 3. See WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Supervisor Practice Guidelines and Performance Expectations (Appendix BFPC-5-A) for additional details regarding the BFPC Coordinator/Supervisor.