On August 1 during World Breastfeeding Week, Aug 1 - 7, the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners® (IBLCE®) is hosting IBCLC Appreciation Day to celebrate the breastfeeding support that International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) provide to families.
Our North Georgia Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) team wants to give special applause to their dedicated Breastfeeding Peer Counselors (BFPCs) with the following shout-out as we highlight each of their own personal breastfeeding story! We encourage our staff, families, and others in our communities to show their gratitude to our BFPCs on IBCLC Appreciation Day for their vital lactation care expertise. #ThanksBFPCs
WIC Peer Counselors
What is a Peer Counselor?
Peer counselors are proven to help moms breastfeed successfully. They are more than just support for moms; they are their partner to help and encourage them. They are trained to provide mother-to-mother support when they need it.
A WIC Peer Counselor can:
- teach you basic breastfeeding skills
- answer questions and concerns
- provide consults in the WIC clinic or on the phone
- assist you with breastfeeding resources available from the WIC program
- refer you to a Breastfeeding Expert
- most of all, be there to listen, encourage and support YOU!
North GA WIC Peer Counselor Shout-Out
"We want to give a big SHOUT-OUT to our amazing North Georgia WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselors!", said Carol Hendrix, BS, IBCLC, district WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator. "You are an invaluable asset as we work closely to provide IBCLC services. Together, we help families who need both emotional support and clinical expertise. The result has been a significant improvement in our breastfeeding success rates and our capacity to provide a supportive environment for families. Your dedication to supporting and empowering breastfeeding mothers is truly inspiring. Thank you for all you do to promote and encourage breastfeeding in our communities. You are making a real difference in the lives of families and we are so grateful for your hard work and commitment. Keep up the fantastic work!"
Learn about our dedicated WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselors through their own personal stories.
Click on each picture to enlarge for easy viewing!
Quotes from our WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselors:
Diana: I became a BFPC because I wanted a job where I could help other mommies but also had a flexible schedule for my babies.
My proudest moment as a BFPC has been recently with a mommy who came in looking for help but ready to give up. The relief on her face when we got baby to latch was indescribable.
BFPCs are important because when no one else can help, WE are here to help!🥰
Franyee: I became a BFPC after having the best experience with the WIC program lactation consultant. With her help and support, my daughter breastfed for over 3 years.
My proudest moment has been when I see my old patients over the years and they thank me for all I did for them during their breastfeeding journey.
BFPCs are important to WIC and the world because every breastfeeding journey is different and everyone needs support during that time.
Virginia: I became a BFPC because I wanted to help others discover the beauty of breastfeeding.
My proudest moment as a BFPC has been helping mothers unveil their true capacity in motherhood.
You might not know this about BFPCs, but we truly have a passion to help others achieve their breastfeeding goal.
BFPCs are important because we genuinely care about each mother by providing the best resources possible.
BFPCs are your motivators!
Migdalia: Que me motivó hacer BFPC?
La razón principal fue haber tenido una experiencia positiva de la lactancia materna.
Mi mayor orgullo ha sido ver que muchas madres an cumplido su meta.
BFPCs son importantes porque una BFPC siempre está disponible para brindarles el apoyo emocional que necesitan para sentirse seguras i apoyadas en su meta. Por esa razón creo que las BFPC somos importantes porque no importa la hora i el día que sea siempre estamos disponibles para contestar sus preguntas.
Angeles: Me convertí en BFPC porque muchas madres necesitan conocer los beneficios de amamantar.
Mi momento de mayor orgullo como BFPC ha sido cuando veo madres que les desaparece el dolor con un buen agarre.
Puede que no sepas esto sobre los BFPC pero tuvimos muchos retos amamantando a nuestros bebes como tu.
Los BFPC son importantes porque la salud de tu bebe te lo agradecera.
Los BFPC son [adjetivo] Amigos con experiencia.
Charlie: I became a BFPC to help empower women in my community believe in themselves and their ability to provide their baby with their own unique, tailor-made breastmilk.
My proudest moments as a BFPC are when I experience a mother persevere through the difficult stages of breastfeeding, making it to the 'Aha!' moment of breastfeeding when it becomes second nature, and she can finally say, "It was all worth it!".
You might not know this about BFPCs, but we struggled during our breastfeeding journey, too.
BFPCs are important because we believe in giving back to the next generation, educating and supporting mothers during some of their most challenging times so that the mother can meet her breastfeeding goals and offer baby life changing nutrients - nutrients that will impact them even into adulthood.
BFPCs are empowering, caring, available, empathic, relatable, and so much more!
Veronica Perez: You might not know this about BFPCs, but we are mothers who are or have been in the WIC program. We had our own problems breastfeeding, and with help and support, now we have personal experience to share with new moms who wish to breastfeed their babies
Veronica Bernabe (new position as a Buddy Specialist, former BFPC): I became a Buddy Specialist because it gives the opportunity to help build a community of support for breastfeeding moms.
My proudest moment as a Buddy Specialist has been learning so much about how this program helps moms build relationships that empower them on their breastfeeding journey.
You might not know this about Buddy Specialists, but they have to work hard to gain trust from moms in WIC's participation before they are able to offer the Buddy program.
Buddy Specialists are important because studies have shown how implementing this program encourages participants to be more willing to try breastfeeding.
Learn more about WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselors and all our WIC Services in North Georgia here on our website at https://nghd.org/nghd-services/item/women-infants-and-children-wic?category_id=15.