Learning Objectives

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Learning Objectives

• Identify two ways to help peer counselors
  continue developing skills and knowledge
• Name two ways to appropriately mentor peer
  counselors in the early days of their jobs

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Independent Learning

• Easy-to-access resources
• WIC Program materials
• WIC Works Resource System
• SpanglerBreastfeeding A Parents Guide
• La Leche LeagueBreastfeeding Pure and Simple
• LA LECHE LEAGUE Womanly Art of Breastfeeding
• WIC breastfeeding library
• Breastfeeding Answer Book
• Medications and Mothers Milk

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Provide Shadowing Opportunities

• Shadowing builds confidence
• Use a variety of counseling settings
• At least
• Three observations of experienced PC making
  phone calls
• Two observations of an IBCLC assisting
  mother/baby
• Two observations of a WIC certifying professional
  doing nutrition counseling
• One observation with a public health home visitor

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Observational Learning

• Introduce the peer counselor to the mother
• Instruct the peer counselor to quietly observe
  and take notes
• Hold a debriefing with peer counselor
• Assess need for additional shadowing opportunities

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Graduation

• Recognizes accomplishments
• Builds pride
• Offers chance to interface with WIC staff and
  referral sources
• Helps family and community know how to support
  peer counselor

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Planning the Peer Counselor Graduation Event

• Can be held after training is completed, or
  scheduled at regular intervals
• Make graduation a celebration
• Invite local dignitaries to speak
• Invite guests of peer counselors
• Send a press release

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The Graduation Program

• Recognize each peer counselor individually
• Allow new and experienced peer counselors to
  share, if desired
• Invite WIC clients to attend and share

New class of Peer Counselors at Chicago Health
Connection graduation
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Continuing Education After Graduation
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Monthly Peer Counselor Staff Meetings

• Monthly meetings provide opportunity to
• Network with other peer counselors
• Learn from more experienced staff
• Share common concerns
• Brainstorm solutions for helping mothers
• Hear program updates
• Learn new techniques
• Continue relationship with supervisor

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Monthly Meeting Logistics

• Consider easy-to-access locations
• Allow time to build and nurture relationships
• Provide social interaction opportunities
• Provide educational offerings
• Show instructional videos
• Review contact logs

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WIC Staff Meetings

• Bolsters sense of being part of the WIC team
• Keeps peer counselors up-to-date with WIC program
  policies
• Provides for interaction with WIC staff
• Builds and strengthens the referral network

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Breastfeeding Conferences and Workshops

• Breastfeeding learning events
• State and local breastfeeding conferences
• WIC in-services
• Local breastfeeding coalition or hospital
  trainings
• La Leche League group meetings
• Improves job satisfaction
• Conduct debriefings after educational events
• Learn about offerings through
• Regional or State FNS offices or local agencies
• National WIC Association Website
• ILCAs Worldwide Calendar
• La Leche League contacts

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Staging the Caseload

• First caseload pregnant women only
• Add mothers who have been breastfeeding awhile
• Add mothers about to deliver soon, or in the
  early postpartum period

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Mentoring Peer Counselors

• Peer counselors are like the mothers they help
• Job experiences may be limited
• May have same stresses in their lives
• Supervisors should function as mentors during the
  first 6 months with
• Anticipatory guidance
• Regular affirmation
• Clear information on roles and expectations
• Listening to her non-work-related issues

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Effective Strategies for Mentoring Peer
Counselors

• Talk with peer counselors about stress management
  strategies
• Make weekly contacts with peer counselors
• Use open-ended questions and affirmation
• Assess other training and guidance needs
• Conduct observations
• Follow-up on referrals immediately
• Establish system for providing support

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The Power of Praise

• Recognition before peers
• Ongoing affirmation critical to confidence
• Model affirmation
• Report positive comments made by WIC mothers
• Share thank-you notes in staff meetings

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You Can Train Peer Counselors Effectively

• You are the expert
• You have the tools you need
• Peer counselors value your help

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• I really enjoyed our breastfeeding updates,
  because you get to hear what is happening in
  other counties, and what other peer counselors
  are doing. If you have issues, you get to
  verbalize them among people who are actually
  dealing with the same kind of thing, and together
  you can brainstorm solutions.
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  WIC Peer Counselor