You’ve probably heard that WIC benefits include breastfeeding counseling, but what exactly does that mean? Who is trained to provide this service?
An Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) specializes in the clinical management of breastfeeding and lactation guidance and support. These specialists provide evidence-based guidance and support to families with breastfeeding and lactation challenges. For moms with lactation complications, special or persistent issues, they can make an appointment with an IBCLC simply by request.
A person can only become an IBCLC through clinical practice and successful completion of the official certification exam, covering advanced topics such as lactation science, breastfeeding management, anatomy, physiology and practical application. The certification does not comes easily and WIC breastfeeding counselors that earn this certification do so because they care deeply for lactation care that is rooted in science and discipline.
WIC placed great value in real world practice, science, and care when our breastfeeding support program was created. We have breastfeeding peer counselors: moms who have breastfed, that now assist breastfeeding moms by sharing their lived experience and knowledge of the most common breastfeeding challenges and advice.
For this year’s National Breastfeeding Month, we want to raise awareness for our IBCLC program, and spotlight some of our own WIC Greater Dallas IBCLC’s. Below are their words on why breastfeeding education matters to them.
1. Diana Steed, IBCLC, Senior Public Health Educator
My Journey
“Diana here! When I began working for WIC as a nutritionist, I started learning about breastfeeding. I thought it was really cool, and that it was odd the nutrition classes I took in college did not include much information about breastfeeding. The more I learned, the more I became a nerd about it, and when I learned that I could become an IBCLC, I immediately started researching what I needed to do to qualify. After passing the exam, I trained at the Lactation Care Center and learned even more from the staff there. I love sharing information with clients so they can work towards their breastfeeding goals, and I am honored when I can assist them on their journey!”
Favorite Breastfeeding Fun Fact
“Building milk supply is like building a race car- adding extra parts to make the car go faster won’t make much of a difference if the engine isn’t maintained. Evidence that certain foods, drinks, and supplements help increase milk supply is mixed, and some can have negative side effects. Consistent milk removal is a must, staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and getting rest when possible. “
Advice for Pregnant or Breastfeeding Moms
“The first 4-5 weeks can be very challenging and are very important for setting up a good milk supply, especially the first week or so. It can feel like it would be easier to pump or make a bottle of formula, but these require washing bottles and pump parts, boiling water, mixing formula, and worrying about waste if baby does not finish the bottle every time they eat, which is every 2-3 hours! Breastfeeding usually gets easier after the first month and has a lot less steps.”
2. Haley Perry, MS, RDN, IBCLC
My Journey
“Hi Everyone! My name is Haley Perry. I am a Registered Dietitian and a lactation consultant for WIC. I have been serving as a lactation consultant since 2021 and have been loving every minute of it. Growing up, I was always against breastfeeding because of what I heard from friend and family. Things like, it is painful, the baby will always be pulling at your shirt, you wont have time for yourself, and it goes on and on. I heard very little about any positives. When I started working for WIC, I heard about all of the science and benefits and fell in love with that part, being that I am a huge science nerd. However, what I got to experience that goes well beyond the science and benefits is the connection, bonds you have with those learning or currently breastfeeding benefits. As a lactation consultant, I have experienced so many joys in being a support and guidance for moms having the same passion for nourishing their babies.”
Favorite Breastfeeding Fun Fact
“As a science nerd, I absolutely love how your breastmilk can change to provide what the baby needs. That being, calories, or adding more antibodies when you are exposed to someone who is sick with the flu or most recently COVID. How crazy cool!”
Advice for Pregnant or Breastfeeding Moms
“You’ve got this!! Take it day by day and never be afraid to ask for help.”
3. Elizabeth Sanchez, IBCLC, Senior Public Health Educator
My Journey
“I’m a compassionate and experienced International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant with over 27 years of dedication to breastfeeding families. My personal journey began with the birth of my first child and continued through 16 years of breastfeeding my own children. Having faced challenges such as latching difficulties, nipple damage, mastitis, engorgement, and yeast infections, I bring deep understanding, empathy, and real-life experience to the families I serve and support. I began my professional journey as a WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor and have since served mothers across seven Dallas-area hospitals, numerous WIC clinics, and 10 years at the Lactation Care Center. My expertise spans from supporting newborns in the hospital setting to navigating complex breastfeeding cases with older infants and toddlers.”
Favorite Breastfeeding Fun Fact
“I believe every mom is unique and brings a different learning experience for me. I continue to grow through the mothers I serve—they are my greatest teachers.”
Advice for Pregnant or Breastfeeding Moms
“You are a strong mother, capable, and your breastfeeding journey matters. Trust your instincts, seek support, and know that every drop of breastmilk counts. You’re not alone and you are doing something truly extraordinary. Your milk supports your baby’s brain development and protects against illness, and this something formula cannot replicate.”
If you are interested in making an appointment with one of our IBCLC’s, please don’t hesitate to call our call center, or contact our Lactation Warm Line at 214-670-7222 for an aid over the phone.
