Annual Training for Individual Peer Counselors
HC One trains women from various communities as breastfeeding peer counselors (BFPC). We help to place them in community settings, where they encourage and support new mothers to breastfeed. Our breastfeeding peer counselor model enables programs to be delivered by women to their neighbors in their own language, in their own way.
With a thorough knowledge of basic lactation issues, HC One-trained peer counselors play a critical role in helping new mothers feel comfortable and confident about choosing to breastfeed. They provide accurate, culturally sensitive information to help breastfeeding mothers deal with the many aspects of nursing. Equally important, they address the emotional needs of the new mothers. Peer counselors listen to and respond to individual concerns about breastfeeding and parenting, and are mentors who focus on making new mothers feel confident and comfortable about choosing to breastfeed.
In Chicago each year, HC One offers a ten-week training, drawing women from a variety of neighborhoods. Training is conducted by a diverse team with extensive experience in breastfeeding education. Our training employs popular education as an active approach to learning, growth and change inspired by Brazilian educator Paulo Freire.
Training participants are successful breastfeeding mothers who are committed to helping pregnant and breastfeeding mothers in their communities. Stipends are provided to cover transportation and childcare costs during the training.
If you would like information on becoming a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor, please contact us.
