This month, we’re celebrating
Angie Ford Jerry
one of our dedicated BFPC Team Leads, Lactation Consultants, and a recent CHAMPS Champion of the Week recipient!
Angie has been part of the BFPC Program since 2012, where her commitment to providing education, encouragement, and support to WIC families has played an essential role in our state’s efforts to increase breastfeeding rates. Her dedication recently shined when one of our own peer counselors needed help and Angie came to her rescue without hesitation.
Iva Painia shared a touching story titled “The Peer That Never Left Her Peer,” where she writes:
“As a peer counselor myself, I was confident—third baby, third time breastfeeding, third time’s the charm. But this mama ended up needing more help than she expected…I needed a peer counselor myself. From day one, Angie had my back, reassuring me that my baby boy was fine. Angie never missed a check-in, and I kept pushing to give 100% breast milk.
All was fine until three months rolled around and we hit another wall. My baby needed another surgery, and the doctor insisted on adding formula to make him gain more weight. I didn’t want formula anywhere near my home. I cried, flashing back to my second baby, wondering why I couldn’t just feed my baby.
Angie stepped in again, reminding me that my baby was growing in length, his head circumference was increasing, and his diaper output was perfect. I trusted Angie’s input and began trusting my own instincts more. Now, I’m about to reach one full year of breastfeeding, all thanks to Angie! She was so much more than the peer I needed. She became like a mom and a friend, giving me the support I didn’t even know I needed. I’ll never forget Angie or be able to repay her for the time and care she gave me.”
Thank you, Angie, for your dedication to empowering, encouraging, and educating everyone you meet. Your compassion and commitment truly makes a difference, both in our program and in the lives you touch every day.