In our WIC Program we provide support in the first weeks of breastfeeding to
our clients.  Our Breastfeeding Peer Counselors do prenatal education to WIC
Prenatals beginning as soon as we know the client is active in WIC.  These
same Peer Counselors follow these women as long as they are breastfeeding.
The clients have the option of calling our Breastfeeding Helpline that is
manned 7 days a week, round the clock by an IBCLC.  With the education they
get from the Peer Counselor as well as the information they get at their WIC
Appointments they are armed and ready with back-up support as they deliver.
At least one of the hospitals in this area also maintains a Breastfeeding
Warmline.  In talking to women who have had breastffeeding difficulties I have
found that the OB/Gyn wants no part of bfing issues.  We have very few IBCLC's
in our area and fewer yet that are in private practice.  I wonder where the
non-WIC mothers go for help in the rural parts of our state especially.
Please check with WIC Programs for your study and see if some do indeed
provide immediate postpartum support.

Linda Inglis BS, IBCLC
Delaware WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator
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