Illinois WIC Breastfeeding Model for Peer Counseling Programs are indicated in green on the following map.
PC Supervisor Resources
Peer Counselor USDA Training Materials
Since 2005, Illinois WIC programs have been implementing the WIC Breastfeeding Model for Peer Counseling in their agencies.
Following USDA's WIC Breastfeeding Model for Peer Counseling guideline, the Peer Counselor Program provides specialized breastfeeding education, encouragement and support to pregnant and breastfeeding women and their infants. Peer Counselors provide home visits, telephone consultations, hospital visits, and lead support groups. Peer Counselors provide assistance with breast pump use and provide outreach to hospitals and physicians on breastfeeding services.
Local WIC agencies provide Peer Counselor services to eligible participants throughout Illinois. WIC staff refer participants to the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor for ongoing breastfeeding support and education.
Program Goals:
- Improve breastfeeding support, initiation, and duration rates
- Reduce infant mortality
- Improve cognitive abilities and long-term health of infants and children
- Reduce the incidence of obesity in childhood and later in life
Resource: Stay in Your Lane
Resource: Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Orientation Checklist
Resource: Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Observation Tools
Resource: Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program Supervisor Training Resource
Resource: IWIC PC Contact First Week Summary Breastfeeding Report Guidance
Resource: NPS BFPC Documenting in WIC