Lirio Renteria

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I currently serve as a WIC Nutrition Assistant (WNA) and Breastfeeding Peer Counselor (PC) with the Lundquist WIC Program. In this role, I provide nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and valuable resources to pregnant and postpartum families.

I was inspired to join WIC because I wanted to make a meaningful difference in the lives of families within my community. As a mother myself, I understand the importance of support, encouragement, and access to reliable information during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and the early years of parenting. That personal experience helps me connect with participants on a deeper level and fuels my passion for helping families achieve their goals.

What motivates me most is seeing the positive impact WIC has every day. Whether it’s helping a participant gain confidence in breastfeeding, connecting a family with helpful resources, or simply providing a listening ear and encouragement, it is rewarding to know that even small interactions can make a lasting difference.

One experience that stands out involved a mother who was struggling with breastfeeding and unsure if she could continue. She was experiencing pain, feeling overwhelmed, and worried that she was not producing enough milk for her baby. Through ongoing education, support, and encouragement, she gradually gained confidence and overcame many of the challenges she faced. Watching her transform from feeling discouraged and uncertain to feeling empowered and successful was incredibly rewarding and serves as a powerful reminder of why this work matters.

My time at Lundquist WIC has helped me grow both personally and professionally. Since joining the program in December 2024, I have strengthened my communication and counseling skills, gained confidence in supporting families, and learned the importance of meeting participants where they are with compassion and understanding.

As a mother, I know firsthand how valuable education, support, and accurate information can be during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Combined with my work at WIC, these experiences have deepened my commitment to helping families navigate their parenting and breastfeeding journeys.

Witnessing the impact that support and access to resources can have on families inspired me to further my education so I can continue helping bridge gaps in care for mothers and infants. I am currently participating in an IBCLC preparation program and working toward eligibility to sit for the IBCLC certification exam. The knowledge and skills I am gaining allow me to better serve the families in our community every day.

I have also learned that supporting families is truly a team effort. Successful breastfeeding support involves healthcare providers, lactation professionals, peer counselors, family members, support groups, and community resources working together to encourage and empower parents. Seeing that collaboration in action has strengthened my commitment to this work and reinforced my desire to continue helping families reach their goals.

When we empower one mother, the positive impact often extends to an entire family and, in many cases, throughout the community.

I am grateful to Lundquist WIC for supporting my professional growth and providing opportunities to continue learning. The encouragement and educational opportunities I have received have helped me grow tremendously, and I look forward to continuing to serve, support, and empower families while working toward my goal of becoming an IBCLC.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family. Making memories together, enjoying quality time, and taking a break from everyday responsibilities is my ideal way to spend a free day.