The Pulaski County Health Department: WIC: Breast-feeding Peer Counseling Program

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Women, Infants & Children: Breast-feeding Peer Counseling Program

What does a Breast-feeding Peer Counselor (BFPC) do?

A Breast-feeding Peer Counselor (BFPC):

Gives basic breast-feeding information and support to new mothers
Helps mothers achieve their breast-feeding goals
Contacts mothers during their pregnancy and while breast-feeding
Refers non-WIC mothers to other community breast-feeding resources (if they are not eligible for WIC).

Breast-feeding has so many benefits!

Children who are NOT exclusively breast-fed for 6 months have a greater chance of encountering the following health problems:

About 60% more likely to suffer from ear infections
About 40% more likely to get Type I Diabetes
About 40% more likely to get adult Type II Diabetes
About 25% more likely to become overweight/obese
About 30% more likely to suffer from leukemia
About 25% more likely to be hospitalized for respiratory diseases like pneumonia or asthma
About 200% more likely to have diarrhea

What is available for mothers who are in the WIC Program?

Free breast-feeding classes
Hospital grade breast pumps (for a small refundable deposit) to those who fit certain eligibility criteria
Medela hand pumps for mothers who need to pump occasionally
Extra food on WIC packages for mothers who exclusively breast-feed
Referrals to appropriate staff or other relevant outside resources
Breast-feeding group at Ft. Leonard Wood WIC office (59 Young Street)

About Breast-Feeding Group at the Ft. Leonard Wood Clinic

This group is open to all women and children. Join us at 10:00 AM the first Friday of every month for snacks and to discuss different breast-feeding topics.

Call Beth Ann BFPC at (573) 528-3630 for further information or questions.

E-mail Breast-feeding Peer Counselor

Requirements for participations in the WIC Program are the same for everyone regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or handicap.

Last updated: May 19, 2010 2:14 PM