Anyone been a WIC peer counsulor?

[guitarmama]

I've got an appointment on Monday to talk to my local WIC supervisor about becoming a bfing peer counsulor. I'm pretty excited about the prospect of helping other women to chose to bf! If you've been a peer counsulor or have had any expirience with one, tell me about it.

[blessedwithboys]

i was, for less than a yr about a decade ago. i was about 18 or 19, my son was 1yo. it was very discouraging for me, every single mama gave up. so, i quit. oh, well...

if i lived somewhere where WIC paid the pc's, i would re-up. i sure hope you have success.

[mountainborn]

I've talked to a LLL leader about doing this - I'm excited about trying it for the same reasons. I feel like I have to do SOMETHING about how glad I am to be nursing, and the local WIC office is right across the street. The LLL I spoke to was very glad to have a willing person - she offered to put me in touch with the woman who does the necessary workshops in our area. I dropped the ball though because of the holidays. Better get back on that.

Would love to hear of any other experiences....

[tanyam926]

I have been a peer counselor for a few years, now I am a WIC Nutritionist part-time. I loved it because you have an opportunity to talk to the moms before they have their babies. I always had the most success when I was able to get across to them during thier pregnancy that a.) BF is normal and thier bodies were meant to do it b.)whatever neg. things they've heard about BF were caused by improper latch, etc. (allay their concerns) and c.) the only thing they needed to remember is my phone # so they could call me and I would come and help them in the hospital or at thier house.

I think that some women really respond to other WIC moms who have BTDT better than us Nutritionists (authority figures) so good luck! Don't get discouraged though when a mom you have been working with gives up. It's hard not to take it personally but you just have to remember that even if you help one mom in your entire PC career you have made a difference. Plus, the decision to put in the hard work is ultimately up to them.