What is a Peer Counselor

I received a text message from a peer counselor. Who is this?

Welcome to the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program

If you received a text from a breastfeeding peer counselor, it means that the WIC staff member who completed your certification thought you would benefit from extra breastfeeding support. This service is free for all WIC participants.

A Breastfeeding Peer Counselor (BFPC) is a woman in the WIC community who has breastfed her own baby/babies and has special, research-based training. She is here to support, encourage, and guide you through your breastfeeding journey. 

Services Provided

You are assigned a peer counselor based on the WIC clinic where you receive services. There are currently nine BFPCs who support families across South Dakota.

Our team has decades of combined breastfeeding experience and has supported WIC families since the program began in 2004. Over the years, the program has grown and now provides services across the entire state.

Services are available in English and many of the other languages spoken by WIC families. All written materials are also translated into Spanish.

BFPCs work with pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers through their baby’s’ first year. They can:

• Send helpful information based on your estimated due date or your baby’s age. All information is tailored to you and your baby’s needs.
• Help you make an informed decision about how to feed your baby and fit that plan into your daily life.
• Teach you and your support system about breastfeeding.
• Offer emotional support and encouragement.
• Connect you with online (Zoom) breastfeeding classes and support groups.
• Share information about common breastfeeding challenges and help you work through them.
• Provide referrals when you need help with complex issues beyond their scope of practice.

Confidentiality

Your conversations with your BFPC are private. Peer counselors respect your information and handle it with care. Your personal details are only shared with WIC staff when needed to support your breastfeeding plan.

What Peer Counselors Cannot Do

BFPCs are trained to support you, but they do not provide medical advice or diagnose health conditions. If you need medical care or have a concern outside their training, they will help connect you with the right professional.

Availability

Breastfeeding Peer Counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—even on holidays. You can reach your BFPC by text, phone, or email. They will always do their best to respond as quickly as possible.

CALL: 1-855-384-MILK (6455)

TEXT: 605-789-HELP (4357)

EMAIL: [e-mail]

ONLINE: southdakotabreastfeeding.com