Wonderfully said Jamie.
I agree with you. WIC is making a difference. We do need to be more
consistent in some areas, but we are working on it. And there is more to come!
Thank you
Warmly
Carole Peterson MS, IBCLC, RLC
In a message dated 10/20/2009 9:33:00 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
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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