How Peer Counseling Supports Your Breastfeeding Journey

Anna Tvedt

Updated December 10, 2025 20:11

What can a peer counselor offer me?

Before Delivery

A successful breastfeeding journey starts with valuable education during pregnancy. Your Breastfeeding Peer Counselor (BFPC) will send you helpful information to prepare you before you meet your baby. Prenatal topics include:

Benefits of breastfeeding for mom and baby
How milk is made
Supply and demand
Common myths
Planning for your hospital stay
Skin-to-skin contact
Proper latch and positioning
Colostrum’s volume and value
Infant tummy size
Milk “coming in”
Signs your baby is getting enough to eat
Common challenges
Formula supplementation
Hunger cues
Hand expression and pumping
Returning to work

Your BFPC can also tailor information to your unique needs. If you are planning a C-section, have a history of preterm delivery, or were diagnosed with high blood pressure or gestational diabetes, your BFPC can explain how these situations may affect breastfeeding, provide tips to help you succeed, and refer you to our breastfeeding specialist (IBCLC) for additional support.

You will also be offered a prenatal breastfeeding preparation class via Zoom, giving you the opportunity to connect with your peer counselor and our breastfeeding specialist to ask questions in real time.

After Delivery

Your BFPC is there right from the start. Letting her know when your baby is born ensures you receive timely guidance during those early days. Postpartum topics include:

Early days after birth
Milk “coming in”
Establishing and maintaining milk supply
Increasing milk supply
Growth spurts
Average intake
Fourth trimester
Postpartum depression
Spitting up
Returning to work/school
Extended skin-to-skin
Effective pumping
Nursing strikes
Teething/biting
Sleep disruptions
Breastfeeding after 1 year
Other developmental milestones

If questions or concerns arise, your peer counselor is just a text away. BFPCs are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and will respond as quickly as possible. They are trained to recognize signs and symptoms of common breastfeeding issues, such as plugged ducts, mastitis, thrush, allergies or intolerances, and oral ties. The research-based articles and videos on our website mean you can trust the information your BFPC sends. We also collaborate with health professionals, including WIC staff and your doctor, to provide the best support possible.

You will also be invited to breastfeeding support groups via Zoom, held twice a month. These sessions provide a safe space to share your experiences, learn from other moms, and ask questions directly to a BFPC or IBCLC.

Timeless Support

Every pregnancy and breastfeeding experience is unique, and no two experiences in the BFPC program are the same. Many mothers participate multiple times with each new pregnancy or baby, discovering new and useful guidance every time.

All conversations with your BFPC are private and handled with care, giving you peace of mind as you navigate your breastfeeding journey.

Your peer counselor is here to guide, encourage, and celebrate every step of your breastfeeding journey.

How to Reach Your BFPC

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

Text: 605-789-HELP (4357)

Email: sdbestmilk@gmail.com

Online: southdakotabreastfeeding.com