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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