Comment on FR Doc # 2011-16289

Our WIC program promotes breastfeeding first and foremost as the gold standard of infant feeding and all of our WIC staff are trained in breastfeeding support. We have one full time Breastfeeding Coordinator/International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) on staff and two Breastfeeding Peer Counselors who are available five days a week for help and support. Our Breastfeeding Coordinator/IBCLC works one on one with our WIC mothers to assist them with breastfeeding and give them the support they need to continue on successfully. Participants can call for help anytime or walk into our office for immediate breastfeeding assistance. In addition, our agency offers facilitated group support sessions three times a week lasting up to 30 minutes in duration. Pregnant and Breastfeeding participants can meet and speak with other WIC mothers for support under the guidance of our Breastfeeding Coordinator/IBCLC and Peer Counselors. Our Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program began in 2007. The Peer Counselors meet and talk with prenatal and breastfeeding mothers in the WIC office, as well as make phone calls and follow up with them every few days or weeks depending on their circumstances