WIC has always wanted RDs or other dietary or nutrition credentials. That's
appropriate for a food distribution program but not for Breastfeeding
Counselors. The exclusion of any breastfeeding credentials in the official
job descriptions for WIC Breastfeeding Counselors appears to be nation
wide. Where does one go to change this? Directly to the Dept of Agriculture?

In my state, WIC has BF Counselors in every office. But when their people
pass the exam, acknowledgement of their expertise by way of promotion or
raises is hard to find. They are still not allowed to do hands-on
assistance with position / latch when their own judgment indicates it would
be helpful.

There is a professional conflict in the situation Lucy describes. If and
when the Board creates the lower level Breastfeeding Counselor credential,
isn't this person supposed to be working under the direct supervision of an
IBCLC? What happens when the employer won't permit the IBCLC to supervise
the CBC? or doesn't even have an IBCLC on staff? The CBC is required to
work without IBCLC supervision by her employer, but can lose her Board
credential if she does so.

Maybe the Board will put this topic on their agenda for their special
session on credentialing at Conference.

WIC people: please correct my errors of fact.
Thank you.
Phyllis


Phyllis Adamson, IBCLC, RLC
Glendale, AZ
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