South Dakota’s Breastfeeding Peer Counselor (BFPC) Program uses a Peer Counselor Tracker (PCT) program to successfully provide breastfeeding peer counseling services to participants across South Dakota. PCT supports social networking in an online one-on-one setting, supporting timely responses to breastfeeding questions.  It also facilitates the sharing of ideas and resources, making lactation support widely available, especially in rural areas and those with a limited number of BFPCs.  BFPC staff have been able to text, email, and make phone calls through PCT, and, as of December 2020 they can now use Zoom, which allows virtual statewide breastfeeding classes and support groups. 

A new statewide breastfeeding specialist has also expanded South Dakota's WIC breastfeeding resources.  The specialist is required to hold an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) credential and is available to the BFPCs and WIC participants 24/7 including weekends, and holidays to act as an immediate referral source and mentor for the BFPCs.  When a BFPC is helping a mother through a difficult situation or encounters a challenge outside of their scope of practice, the specialist will be able to join the conversation and provide additional expertise. The goal is that by providing an immediate referral to an IBCLC, it will provide the mother with the information and support she needs to overcome complex breastfeeding challenges and continue her breastfeeding journey.