WIC Peer Counselors Support Breastfeeding Among WIC Participants
Lisa Wagner1, Carolyn A Phillips1,2
1University of Texas Medical Branch School of Nursing, TX, USA.
Western Journal of Nursing Research
|May 7, 2024
Summary
WIC Peer Counselors use unique strategies to support breastfeeding mothers, improving infant health. Their accessible approach and understanding of client needs are key to increasing breastfeeding rates.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Nutrition Science
- Maternal and Child Health
Background:
- The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) improves participant health outcomes.
- WIC Peer Counselors were established to enhance breastfeeding support for WIC participants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the perceptions and experiences of WIC Peer Counselors in Southeast Texas.
- To understand the role and strategies of WIC Peer Counselors in supporting breastfeeding.
Main Methods:
- A Naturalistic Inquiry study design was employed.
- Nine WIC Peer Counselors in Southeast Texas participated in semi-structured interviews.
- Purposive and snowball sampling methods were used for recruitment.
Main Results:
- WIC Peer Counselors utilize novel approaches to encourage, initiate, support, and sustain breastfeeding.
- Key strategies include using specific tools, involving family members, providing 24/7 accessibility, and identifying equipment needs.
- Counselors leverage their understanding of breastfeeding culture and client rapport.
Conclusions:
- WIC Peer Counselors are vital resources for increasing breastfeeding rates and improving national health.
- Their contributions are valuable but often unrecognized and underutilized.
- Healthcare providers should consider referring pregnant and postpartum dyads to WIC for breastfeeding support.
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