WIC Peer Counselors Support Breastfeeding Among WIC Participants.
Lisa Wagner, Carolyn A Phillips
PMID 38712894WHAT IT FOUND
Nine peer counselors described using visual aids like belly-ball models and paper folding to teach mothers about breastfeeding.
They also relied on personal resources, such as buying breast pumps and offering gifts, to support clients who faced family pressure or financial barriers.
Key findings
01Peer counselors used tangible visual aids, such as cloth breast models and wooden balls representing infant stomach size, to explain breastfeeding mechanics and reassure mothers about milk supply.
02Counselors often used their own money to purchase breast pumps and small gifts to incentivize clients to continue breastfeeding, especially when WIC resources were insufficient.
03Counselors identified family members, particularly grandmothers, as a major source of pressure to use formula, which could undermine a mother's confidence in breastfeeding.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The study included only nine peer counselors from a specific region in Texas, so the findings may not apply to counselors in other geographic or cultural contexts. The sample consisted of experienced counselors, with an average of 7.4 years in the role, which may not reflect the challenges faced by newer staff. The study relies on self-reported perceptions and experiences, which may be influenced by a desire to portray their work positively.
Declared interests
The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest. No specific funding source was disclosed in the provided text.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret these descriptions of counselor strategies as evidence that they improve breastfeeding rates. This study reports what counselors did and believed, not whether their interventions led to better patient outcomes.