Section 9 Retaining Peer Counselors

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Peer Counselors LOVE Their Job!
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Why Peer Counselors Leave

• The job is not a good fit
• Stressful personal life
• Desire for full-time employment once children
  become older
• Low wages
• Burnout
• Isolation

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Turnover Is NotNecessarily Negative!

• Empowerment that peer counselors feel is a sign
  of success of the program!
• Peer counselors are still peers within the
  community

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Strategies For RetainingPeer Counselors

• WIC staff support
• Positive breastfeeding environment
• Sensitivity to personal issues
• Adequate compensation and benefits
• Career path

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Texas and Mississippi WIC provide a three- level
tiered program for breastfeeding staff

• Peer Counselors
• Lactation Specialists or Senior Peer Counselors
• Lactation Consultants

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Strategies For Retention

• Ongoing training
• Simple paperwork requirements
• Recognition programs
• Social interaction

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Questions?
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