I couldn't resist to post a message to Lactnet regarding WIC. This is not
WIC bashing I did some consulting work for WIC recently in a suburb in NY.
The counselors that are hired are not trained at all with regards to
breastfeeding. Some of the counselors do not have any formal education. So
there is usally is no information about breastfeeding. Tom Hale's book was
new info to the nurses as well as some of the Doctors. When I did thier
staff training on both breastfeeding as well as client relations there
seemed to have been no previous training. The staff turn over rate is also
high because the pay is low.So I feel that is where the missing link is,
education! I wrote a proposal for a job there and I was told there was no
money. So if WIC is REALLY intrested in education both staff and patients
about breastfeeding they should find the money. I did not get the message
breastfeeding was the priority!! I have worked with the WIC population for
my entire careeer as a Social Worker (20 years) and with some education you
will make a difference to some. I often feel this segment of the population
is not regarded as important because no one will make any money on them. I
continue to volunteer, and I intend on sending the JHL article to the
Director. Thanks for the time Regina Camillieri IBCLC

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