Peer Counselors and Trained Lactation Coaches

Peer Counselors are paid, and Trained Lactation Coaches are volunteer women who have successfully breastfed an infant for at least six months. They usually are or have been WIC participants. Their primary responsibility is to provide information about breastfeeding and to support and encourage WIC participants by telephone.

Lactation Specialists

Lactation Specialists provide specialized breastfeeding support and assistance to WIC participants including home visits, telephone follow-up, and issuing breastfeeding devices as needed. Lactation Specialists also make hospital visits when an arrangement has been made with the hospital administration, or referral from the client's physician.

Lactation Specialists have a combination of college education and personal breastfeeding experience. Many are also volunteer breastfeeding advocates with other Non-Profit Organizations.

Lactation Consultants

Lactation Consultants are available in some areas of the state to provide specialized assistance for high-risk WIC participants. Lactation Consultants provide hospital rounds, home visits, clinic counseling and education, telephone follow-ups and issue breastfeeding devices as needed. Lactation Consultants also serve as breastfeeding resources for Mississippi Department of Health Clinic Staff , WIC Breastfeeding Staff and Community Health Professionals.

 All staff receive training on the benefits of breastfeeding, how their position is involved with breastfeeding promotion and support, and breastfeeding management and education appropriate to the level of assistance they will provide for WIC participants.

 Clinic staff, WIC Breastfeeding staff, and other health professionals, have abundant breastfeeding resources to guide them in providing accurate, consistent breastfeeding information to WIC participants, including drugs and lactation information resources and other medical texts. The WIC Central Office provides a list of approved resources and can assist staff with obtaining information and resources for specialized situations.

Protocols for Breastfeeding Management

Guidelines for addressing frequently encountered breastfeeding situations can be found in the WIC "Protocols for Breastfeeding Management" manual. The protocols are available to all local clinics, and should be followed in managing basic breastfeeding concerns. Contact the WIC Central office to obtain a copy.