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