Research & Practice
The WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Program in King County: A Qualitative Evaluation
Research has demonstrated that breastfeeding peer counselors can effectively increase rates of breastfeeding initiation, exclusivity, and duration among low-income women. The Federal Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Program in King County, implemented in the summer of 2011, is unique in that Public Health – Seattle & King County (PHSKC) contracts with an outside agency to aid in the human resources management of peer counselors. Given the demonstrated benefit of peer counselors, the question to ask becomes how administrative support can maximize their efficiency. Following the development of a survey tool, interviews were scheduled with current and former peer counselors to identify strengths and opportunities for improvement in the administrative model of the WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Program in King County. Transcripts and notes were coded using descriptive, in vivo, initial and values coding. Eight constructs were identified: job preparation and tools, financial impact on peer counselors, emotional impact on peer counselors, scope of practice, peer counselor-client relationship, peer counselor-clinic relationship, administrative role delineation, and administrative model. Strengths were identified, and recommendations were made for improving the program model to maximize the peer counselors’ role.
Materials Available
Project Type(s): MPH Practicum, PH Concentration Poster
Author(s): Emily Faerber
Program(s): Master of Public Health, RDN Training
Year: 2012
Adviser(s):