As a new or expecting parent, you have probably heard a lot about the benefits of breastfeeding. The amount of information can be overwhelming, but breastfeeding can work for you. Our Breastfeeding Peer Counselor can help you get off to a great start and help you overcome any breastfeeding challenges you face. Their services are free to WIC participants, and they’ll be with you every step of your breastfeeding journey.

What Is a WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor?

Our Peer Counselors are WIC moms – just like you. They live in the Mid-Shore and have successfully breastfed their own baby. Peer Counselors receive training from WIC to teach them how to coach other mothers to breastfeeding success. Think of your Peer Counselor as part coach and part cheerleader. They are here to give you the support you need to meet your own goals for feeding your baby.

What does a WIC Peer Counselor do?

• Promotes breastfeeding and helps you make an informed decision about feeding your baby.
• Proactively helps you to build confidence and support for your breastfeeding goals.
• Responds to breastfeeding questions or concerns you might have.
• Makes referrals to other WIC breastfeeding experts if you need more help.

How can a WIC Peer Counselor help you?

Your WIC Peer Counselor can:

• Help you to get a good start with breastfeeding
• Provide tips for improving your milk supply
• Help with breastfeeding concerns
• Give you ideas to help build support for your breastfeeding by your friends and family
• Help you stay close to your baby through breastfeeding after you return to school or work
• Provide tips for breastfeeding comfortably and discreetly, even in public

Our mission is to help you succeed at meeting your breastfeeding goals. We are just a phone call away! Call our office at (410) 479-8065 to be connected with the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor or another breastfeeding expert on our team.

Breastfeeding is an intimate experience. That is why it is important that you feel comfortable with the peer counselors who will help you meet your breastfeeding goals. Our team is passionate about helping every mom feel comfortable and confident with breastfeeding.

Joy Hurst

Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

joy.hurst@maryland.gov

(410) 479-8060

I joined WIC in 2022 and I love talking directly with our participants. I get a huge sense of accomplishment out of being able to really listen to them and provide the help they need.

Adrienne Palmer

Nutritionist

adrienne.palmer@maryland.gov

(410) 479-8060

I have worked for WIC programs since 2018 in Indiana, Delaware, and now Maryland. But first, I was a WIC mom!

When I found out I was pregnant with my daughter in 2009, I applied for Medicaid and was immediately connected with my local WIC clinic. Before that I had no idea that WIC existed. I was young and had no knowledge about nutrition or how my nutrition needs would change now that I was pregnant. The nutritionists at WIC helped me figure out what I needed beyond just a prenatal vitamin.

And then, when a slew of complications affected my ability to breastfeed (c-section, jaundice, NICU time, tongue-tie, postpartum depression), the breastfeeding peer counselors supported me through it all.

Now I love being able to pass on the knowledge they gave me when I was a new mom to help other women succeed in meeting their breastfeeding goals.

Karen Van Trieste, IBCLC

Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Coordinator

karen.vantrieste@maryland.gov

(410) 479-8060

I have been an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant for 20 years and have worked at Mid-Shore WIC since 2017. I’m a registered nurse with 25 years of experience in labor and delivery/maternal-newborn nursing and am also a certified childbirth educator.

I especially enjoy teaching pregnant patients about breastfeeding and helping new parents learn to help their babies latch onto the breast. I love all babies, but I have a special interest in working with parents of premature newborns.

My favorite thing about working for WIC is partnering with Breastfeeding Peer Counselors to provide support and encouragement to participants during their breastfeeding journeys.