We're trying an experiment at our WIC agency. We've seen that a lot of
mothers who sincerely want to breastfeed end up not succeeding too well
because of insufficient follow-up support. So we've asked the LCs at the
labor and postpartum recovery unit at the local hospital to have our WIC
Spanish-speaking peer counselor accompany them on their rounds. The idea
is that the counselor will translate for the LCs  and the LCs will
provide professional mentoring to the peer counselor. Together, they
will try to give more personal attention and phone support to the mom
during the immediate postpartum period. (By the time new mothers visit
the WIC clinic, they are 2-3 weeks postpartum and have already used ABM
and been discouraged by perceived inadequate milk supply and sore
nipples.)

Do any LCs out there have this kind of a relationship with a WIC peer
counselor?  If so, how is it working out for you?  Are there any
pitfalls we should look out for?

Mary (Ask Me About WIC) Krisco, RD
Cook County Department of Public Health