So , now that I've sent my message and can't retrieve it, I'll get back
to the question by Pardee - has anyone tried this?

In Austin, TX, we have trained WIC mothers to be breastfeeding
peer counselors.  They receive 20 hours of breastfeeding anatomy,
physiology and management of common problems.  They learn
about teaching group classes at WIC, handling prenatal questions,
responding to difficulties in the early weeks, and how to refer.
They are backed by a WIC staff that has access to continuing
training about breastfeeding, and an LC (me).

They have done an outstanding job as part-time employees since
1991.  As they have grown in knowledge and confidence, the peer
counselors have begun to visit the hospitals,  seeing mothers
immediately postpartum.  They know how to refer mothers to WIC,
to the hospital LC, if needed, and make follow-up phone calls at 3-
5 days pp when difficulties can become overwhelming.  It works
fabulously well.  In the beginning, the hospital suggested peer
counselors only see WIC mothers.  However, the other mothers
started asking why they couldn't see a breastfeeding counselor, too.
Now peer counselors see everyone.

There has been some sporadic confusion when a nurse refers to a
peer counselor as a lactation consultant, but counselors quickly
explain their role to the mother.  We have had no difficulty with
questions of liability as the peer counselors act within the scope of
their training.  Our breastfeeding rates and duration have increased
dramatically.

Some counselors are more comfortable receiving constant
direction.  Others work quickly toward autonomy.  When a
counselor feels confident with her skills, we respect her decisions
and instructions to mother.  Healthy, breastfed babies are the
indicators that the system works.  We've never had an unfortunate
situation with a mother receiving incorrect information or
inappropriate instructions.

BTW, LLL Leaders help with the training of peer counselors in
many areas and assist with continuing education of counselors and
WIC staff.  In the last two years, several PCs have become Leaders.

Jeanne Fisher, Austin, TX
where LLL and WIC are friends