WIC Breastfeeding Support Curriculum

The curriculum is structured in four tiered levels of learning based on staff roles. Each level builds on one another to take staff to higher levels of learning based on their role in WIC. Each level of training content enables the learner to dive deeper into content specific to their role. This enables staff to be fully aware of their roles and responsibilities supporting breastfeeding, and their scope of practice in WIC.

• Level 1: All WIC staff, students, and volunteers

  All WIC staff, students, volunteers, who work in the WIC Program are required to complete Level 1 training. Basic breastfeeding promotion, basic communication approaches, and how to support WIC parents with breastfeeding.

  • Level 1 training will be a live virtual training. Each participant must have an electronic device with audio capability. Refer to the FAQ for questions about Level 1 training.
  • Register Here
  • Training Dates
    • Tuesday, February 1, 2022
    • Tuesday, April 5, 2022
    • Wednesday, June 1, 2022
    • Tuesday, August 2, 2022
    • Tuesday, October 4, 2022
    • Tuesday, November 1, 2022
  • In the event that the training date is no longer feasible or the individual is no longer employed/contracted/volunteer/preceptoring at the local WIC agency, please cancel here.
    • Please note: For individuals needing to reschedule, please wait one (1) business day before rescheduling training.
  • Agenda
  • Handouts
• Level 2: Peer Counselors ONLY

  All current and new peer counselors after completing Level 1 must complete Level 2. Level 2 training will prepare peer counselors to support normal breastfeeding, including early practices to get breastfeeding off to a good start, positioning and latch, and supporting mothers from pregnancy through weaning.

  • Register Here
  • Questions about training and registration? Review the WIC Breastfeeding Support Level 2 for Peer Counselors FAQ here.
  • Training Dates
    WIC Breastfeeding Support Level 2 training for Peer Counselors sessions will be held virtually and provided by the Regional WIC Lactation Training Centers. Each training session is comprised of six (6) days in total, offered over a period of a month. Current Peer Counselors must complete the first five (5) days and newly hired Peer Counselors must complete all six (6) days. A newly hired Peer Counselor is a Peer Counselor who has not completed the previous curriculum, Loving Support ^TM Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Core training.
    • Perinatal Region I: March 7-8, 14-15, 28-29, 2022
    • Perinatal Region II: February 8-9, 11, 15-16, and 18, 2022
    • Perinatal Region III: April 13-14, 19-21 and 22, 2022
    • Perinatal Region IV: April 5, 7, 12, 21, 26 and 28, 2022
    • Perinatal Region V: May 9-11 and 23-25, 2022
    • Perinatal Region VI: March 16-17, 24-25, 31 and April 1, 2022
  • In the event that the training session is no longer feasible or the Peer Counselor is no longer employed at the local WIC agency, please cancel here.
    • Please note: For Peer Counselors needing to reschedule, please wait one (1) business day before rescheduling training.


• Level 2 & 3: Competent Professional Authorities and WIC-Designated Breastfeeding Experts

  All current and new CPAs and WIC-Designated Breastfeeding Experts after completing Level 1 must complete Level 2 & 3. The combined Level 2 & 3 training will prepare CPAs and WIC-Designated Breastfeeding Experts to support normal breastfeeding, including the early practices to get breastfeeding off to a good start as positioning and latch. As well as assisting parents with breastfeeding concerns and the clinic practices that support breastfeeding.

  • Please note: International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) who functions as a
    • CPA only: must complete Levels 1, 2, and 3. (Please note: The IBCLC credential alone does not qualify an individual as a CPA)
    • WIC-Designated Breastfeeding Expert: must complete Levels 1, 2, 3, and 4.
    • CPA and WIC-Designated Breastfeeding Expert: must complete Levels 1, 2, 3, and 4.

  Launching May 2022

• Level 4: WIC-Designated Breastfeeding Experts

  All current and new WIC-Designated Breastfeeding Experts must complete Level 4 after completing levels 1, 2, and 3 training. This training will prepare WIC-Designated Breastfeeding Experts to assist WIC parents experiencing complex breastfeeding challenges that are beyond the scope of peer counselors and CPAs.

  Launching October 2022