Breastfeeding peer counseling: results from the National WIC Survey

The objective of this study was to examine breastfeeding peer counseling within the context of the organizational structure of state and local Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) agencies. The National WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Survey was distributed to a convenience sample of state WIC breastfeeding coordinators and breastfeeding project coordinators and to a sample of local agency WIC directors and staff, breastfeeding peer counselor coordinators, and peer counselors. The findings indicate that respondents in the WIC state and local organizations perceive peer counseling to be effective in promoting and sustaining breastfeeding among WIC mothers. There is, however, a lack of consistent policies and procedures concerning the recruitment, training, and counseling phases of peer counseling within and across state WIC agencies.