Volunteering for WIC?

motherwise · 01-26-2006, 02:03 PM

I have heard of doulas volunteering services for WIC, and I was just wondering how to go about setting something like this up. Does anyone have any experience with this? Do I call my local WIC, or the state WIC agency?

Stacie · 01-26-2006, 03:25 PM

I have no idea. I am pretty up with our local WIC as they have a fabulous IBCLC I love, but I haven't heard anything about that? Call them and let them know who you are and see what they say.

Luv2bemommy · 01-27-2006, 06:47 PM

Ohh great idea!! I think I will give them a call after my workshop and ask about this..

PostDoula · 01-27-2006, 08:00 PM

I volunteer with the local WIC (in NJ) as a Breastfeeding Counselor. (teaching Breastfeeding classes, answering questions, and following-up with BF moms)
As a Postpartum Doula, often I end up working with clients who are on the higher end of income scales, so working with WIC provides great balance. Also, it keeps me fresh between clients and I'm always learning.
I'm not sure if this is the type of volunteer work you had in mind, but I would definitely suggest contacting your local WIC agency and expressing your interest. You might want to look for an IBCLC--they specialize in working with prenatal/postpartum moms as opposed to the "general WIC population" (which could be any parent with a child up to age 5).

If I can offer any further information or help, please feel free to contact me!
Beth Salerno
(postdoula@wmconnect.com)

MindOverLaborDoulas · 06-05-2006, 09:57 PM

I know.. I know.. but I am still trying to go through your old posts!!!

Anyway, I called our local WIC and met with the director of the 2 counties that she runs. She was totally psyched to meet us and know that Doulas were around here (sooo happy I didn't have to explain first

).
About 2 hours into the meeting she had to go, but we ended up chatting with their LC for a while longer. In fact, she gave us the LLL breastfeeding book (I guess it's like really really $$$$$).
We had a client going through them and when she went to her next class, they mentioned having a Doula at your birth and how much Doulas help and that everyone needs one, etc.. Our client was like "HEY those are MY Doulas"!!

So, I am pumped that they weren't just blowing smoke!
Anyway, if you didn't find anything out, just set up a meeting w/ the director and the LC. At the least they will just take your flyer.. ya never know unless you try!
Ashley

jesscardona · 06-05-2006, 11:47 PM

Sorry to sound kinda dumb here but what is IBCLC?

1stimestar · 06-06-2006, 02:24 AM

International Board Certified Lactation Consultant

MothertheMother · 06-06-2006, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jesscardona

Sorry to sound kinda dumb here but what is IBCLC?

You don't sound dumb...we have all been there. That is why we started a list on childbirth acronyms. Check out the thread on the General Doula Discussion page....