Hi All,

I know this thread is about closed...  But...  I have worked for WIC for 11 years, 7 in the state I am in now.  In these past 7 years, I attended CLC training and then took the IBCLC exam.  If the state didn't support breastfeeding, I never would be where I am today.  And they spend their money on training staff, not so much on gadgets and such.  I do have breast pumps, nipple shields, SNS, etc to give if needed, but a client must go through a thorough assessment by myself before they are handed out.  We don't give out any breastfeeding accessories "willy-nilly".  Suffice it to say, I am in disagreement of what "anonymous" said in her original post.  Maybe that happens in her area, but WIC is nationwide and what pertains to one state/region/county/program doesn't always pertain to the next state/region/county/program.

Also, with the WIC food changing, and with the changes to the breastfeeding policies (no formula in month 1 for breastfeeding mom's) we have recognized that our breastfeeding services needs to be even better.  My Director, who is a huge supporter of breastfeeding, has told all staff that I am to see all breastfeeding mothers.  This means I get to spend my day talking to mothers about breastfeeding, and helping mothers acheive their breastfeeding goals.  It's wonderful!!!  What could be better than that?

Yesterday I met with a mother who was having some latch difficulty, sore, bleeding nipples and blanched nipple after a feeding.  She sat down in my office, I gave her some relief measures for her nipples (other things too, but those details aren't important to this post...) and she left extremely happy- even asked if she could call me if she needed further help!  That's what it's all about!!  Establishing a good relationship with these mothers so they are comfortable to call if they need further help!  Someone posted that these mom's (low-income) deserve the same quality of lactation support as the next mother, and I couldn't agree more.  Sure, I love peer counselors, but a WIC mom shouldn't be limited to a peer counselor when she may need further expertise.

Just my 2 cents, for what it's worth.  Sure WIC has it's downfalls (salary!!) but at least they are trying!  Let's give credit where credit is due!

Jamie Huddleston, IBCLC, RLC

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