WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum

The WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum is a mandatory training for all WIC staff and is structured into four tiered levels based on staff roles. Each level builds on the previous one, allowing staff to progressively advance their breastfeeding knowledge and competencies according to their responsibilities within WIC.
This tiered approach ensures that all WIC staff:
- Gain foundational breastfeeding knowledge appropriate to their role.
- Understand their scope of practice in providing breastfeeding support within WIC.
- Are equipped to offer evidence-based breastfeeding support at varying levels, from general promotion to specialized lactation counseling.
Each level of training enables staff to deepen their understanding of breastfeeding support within their role, ensuring they are fully aware of their responsibilities and scope of practice in WIC.
Level 1: Required for All WIC Staff, Students and Volunteers
Level 1 ensures that all WIC staff, students, and volunteers understand the importance of breastfeeding, the basics of lactation, and their role in supporting breastfeeding families within the WIC Program. Level 1 is a required, virtual, on-demand, self-paced training offered through the learning management system (LMS) TRAIN.org. On average, it takes approximately 4 hours to complete.
WIC staff, students, volunteers, and contractors must complete this training as part of their required orientation.
Users must create or log in to their TRAIN.org account before registering for the course.
Registration Code:
Please contact your supervisor and/or WIC Director to obtain the registration code.
Level 2: Peer Counselors ONLY
Level 2: Peer Counselors ONLY is designed to equip peer counselors with the skills needed to support WIC families in normal breastfeeding situations. All new peer counselors employed by a local WIC agency must complete Level 1 training before beginning Level 2 training. Level 1 provides foundational knowledge of breastfeeding and WIC’s role in breastfeeding support, ensuring peer counselors have a baseline understanding before advancing to role-specific training.
The training consists of four virtual days and two in-person days, totaling 30 hours of live instructional training. Sessions take place over three weeks, with two consecutive training days each week. In-person training locations vary by trainer, and sessions are scheduled throughout the State. In addition to live instruction, participants are required to complete independent study assignments and shadowing to successfully complete the training.
The North Carolina WIC Program welcomes community members to participate in Level 2: Peer Counselors ONLY training. This training is ideal for individuals who will be supporting new families with normal breastfeeding experiences. However, it does not provide education on managing complex breastfeeding challenges.
Community members interested in this training must:
- Attend all training days, including required in-person sessions at the designated location listed below.
- Be prepared to engage in hands-on learning that will equip them to offer peer-to-peer breastfeeding support.
This structured approach ensures that new peer counselors gain the necessary skills and confidence to support WIC families effectively in their breastfeeding journey.
Region | Training Dates | Virtual Dates | In-Person Dates | In-Person Training Location |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | March 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 and 27, 2025 | 12, 13, 26 and 27 | 19 and 20 | Asheville |
3 | April 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16, 2025 | 1, 2, 15, and 16 | 8 and 9 | Charlotte |
2 | April 30, May 1, 7, 8, 14 and 15, 2025 | 30, 1, 14 and 15 | 7 and 8 | Greenville |
1 | July 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 and 30, 2025 | 15, 16, 29, and 30 | 22 and 23 | Asheville |
3 | August 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 and 27, 2025 | 12, 13, 26, and 27 | 19 and 20 | Charlotte |
To ensure a successful training experience, all trainees are required to meet the following logistical and participation requirements.
Required Materials for Training
Participants must have the following items available during training:
- A computer with a camera and high-speed internet connection.
- Note: A phone screen is too small for this training and will not be sufficient.
- Note: A phone screen is too small for this training and will not be sufficient.
- A quiet learning space where you can actively participate and have space for your handbook and computer.
- A headset or microphone (optional but highly recommended for clear communication).
- A demonstration breast.
- A baby doll or stuffed animal.
Training Expectations
To maintain a productive and respectful learning environment, all trainees are expected to:
- Be on time for each session and remain engaged for the full duration.
- Minimize distractions by preparing in advance (e.g., arranging childcare or limiting interruptions from pets).
- Give full attention to the training—this includes keeping the camera on and actively participating.
- Show respect to trainers and fellow participants by engaging in discussions, following instructions, and demonstrating professionalism throughout the course.
By following these guidelines, trainees can maximize their learning experience and be fully prepared for your role.
1. What time is training each day?
Training times vary by day, but all training dates do not start before 8 am and end by 4:15 pm
2. I can’t attend all days of the scheduled training should I still sign up?
No, each registered individual is expected to attend all scheduled training day of their session. There will be no partial credit offered. If you cannot attend all scheduled training days, please sign up for a different session.
3. If I am peer counselor employed by a local WIC agency do I have to complete training in my designated region?
Each individual should select the training dates and locations that work best with their schedule. Peer Counselors employed by the WIC Program may attend the WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum for Peer Counselors Only in their assigned region but are not required to attend in your assigned region.
For a complete list of all FAQs, please refer to this handout.
Before Your Session Starts:
1. All Participants must read Breastfeeding: A Parent’s Guide (10th edition) by Amy Spangler, Carol Adams Rivera, Mandy Root-Thompson, Mandy Root-Thompson in ENTIRETY.
WIC Peer Counselors Only (Community Members do NOT complete these trainings)
2. Complete Level 1: Required for All WIC Staff, Students, and Volunteers
3. Complete the Peer Counselor Care Plan Training
Before Your Session Ends:
- Handouts – Used throughout the training to support practice and activities.
- Level 2 Note Pages (Handbook) – Supplementary notes that align with the training for additional reference.
- If you need to cancel your training registration, please follow the steps below:
- Notify us as soon as possible to allow space for others.
- Follow the cancellation link here.
- If rescheduling is needed, check for available future training dates and allow one (1) business day before rescheduling.
- Notify us as soon as possible to allow space for others.
Level 2 & 3: Competent Professional Authorities and WIC-Designated Breastfeeding Experts

WIC Lactation Camp is an engaging, virtual training designed for Competent Professional Authorities (CPAs) and WIC-Designated Breastfeeding Experts (DBEs) to strengthen their knowledge and skills in breastfeeding support.
This five-week, interactive virtual training, equips CPAs and DBEs with the tools to:
- Support normal breastfeeding and help families get off to a strong start.
- Improve positioning, latch, and early feeding success.
- Address common breastfeeding concerns and implement best practices in WIC clinics.
Your role as a CPA or DBE is essential in empowering families to meet their breastfeeding goals. This training is not only a valuable opportunity to grow your expertise but also a required step to ensure WIC staff align with the program’s mission: To safeguard the health of low-income women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk by providing nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health and social services.
By attending WIC Lactation Camp, you are making a direct impact—helping families gain confidence in feeding their babies while reinforcing WIC’s commitment to lifelong health and wellness.
Registration is open to all Competent Professional Authorities (CPAs) and WIC-Designated Breastfeeding Experts (DBEs) who are currently employed or contracted with a local WIC agency in North Carolina. This training is not open to community members or public health staff who do not work within the WIC Program.
Refer to the FAQ for any exceptions to participation.
WIC Lactation Camp combines independent study and live virtual instruction to provide a comprehensive learning experience.
- Prerequisite Modules and Readings:
- 6–10 hours of self-paced independent study must be completed before the camper’s selected start date.
- Upon registration, participants will receive an email with these assignments referred the "Packing List," which outlines required materials and preparation details for the training.
- 6–10 hours of self-paced independent study must be completed before the camper’s selected start date.
- Live Virtual Instruction:
- 40 hours of instruction over five consecutive weeks.
- Sessions are held twice per week on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
- Each instructional day runs from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM.
- Total of 10 virtual live instruction days.
- 40 hours of instruction over five consecutive weeks.
- Independent Study Assignments:
- 3–5 additional hours of independent study must be completed during WIC Lactation Camp.
Upcoming Sessions
Session | Start Date | End Date |
Fall 2025 | Tuesday, September 9, 2025 | Thursday, October 9, 2025 |
Winter 2026 | Tuesday, January 27, 2026 | Thursday, February 26, 2026 |
To ensure a successful training experience, all trainees are required to meet the following logistical and participation requirements.
Required Materials for Training
Participants must have the following items available during training:
- A computer with a camera and high-speed internet connection.
- Note: A phone screen is too small for this training and will not be sufficient.
- A quiet learning space where you can actively participate.
- A demonstration breast model.
- A baby doll or stuffed animal.
Training Expectations
To maintain a productive and respectful learning environment, all trainees are expected to:
- Be on time for each session and remain engaged for the full duration.
- Complete all prerequisites trainings to ensure that you are prepared for the training.
- Minimize distractions by preparing in advance (e.g., arranging childcare or limiting interruptions from pets).
- Give full attention to the training - this includes keeping the camera on and actively participating. CPAs and DBEs are not available to work in this clinic during instructional
- Show respect to trainers and fellow participants by engaging in discussions, following instructions, and demonstrating professionalism throughout the course.
By following these guidelines, CPAs and DBEs can maximize their learning experience and be fully prepared for your role.
1. Is participation in WIC Breastfeeding Support level 1 training required before participating in WIC Lactation Camp?
Yes. However, CPAs and DBEs who have not completed the WIC Breastfeeding Support level 1 training may register for WIC Lactation Camp if they are registered to complete level 1 training prior to their WIC Lactation Camp’s start date.
2. What is the attendance policy?
Each camper must attend a minimum of 9 out of 10 days of virtual instruction. Campers are expected to communicate with their cabin counselor in the event of an unplanned absence (cabin counselors do not approve/deny absences, they only document attendance).
3. What if a camper misses two or more days of a virtual instruction?
They will not receive credit for WIC Lactation Camp and must sign up for a new training session.
For a complete list of all FAQs, please refer to this handout.
Registration for WIC Lactation Camp is not publicly available. WIC staff should reach out to their WIC Director for the registration link.
- If you need to cancel your training registration, please follow the steps below:
- Notify us as soon as possible to allow space for others.
- Follow the cancellation link here.
- If rescheduling is needed, check for available future training dates and allow one (1) business day before rescheduling.
Level 4: WIC Designated Breastfeeding Experts

The last level of the WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum is Level 4 for WIC Designated Breastfeeding Experts (DBE). DBEs are required to complete Level 4 after completing Levels 1-3. The training prepares DBEs to assist WIC parents experiencing complex breastfeeding challenges that are beyond the scope of the peer counselors and CPAs. Registration is open for WIC-Designated Breastfeeding Experts (DBEs). Ask your WIC Director today for the registration link
Session | Virtual Days (8:30am-4:30pm) | In-Person Day (9:00am-3:45pm) | In-Person Day Location (select one) |
Spring 2025 | March 4 and 5, 2025 | March 25, 2025 | Asheville, Charlotte and Greenville |
Fall 2025 | October 21 and 22, 2025 | November 7, 2025 | Asheville, Charlotte and Greenville |
For questions pertaining to DBE Boot Camp, refer to the FAQ here.