"Centering Black Mamas does not mean ignoring the facts of a dire reality. Instead, Centering Black Mamas, is an opportunity to strategize around how to meaningfully shift the numbers by considering solutions—without fear, blame, or shame. Centering Black Mamas is also an opportunity to recognize the strengths of Black Mamas—their motherhood, scholarship, leadership, and research—and seek to further empower them in all facets of their lives."
- Black Mamas Matter Alliance
Dear Boston Breastfeeding Coalition Community,

From April 11th to April 17th, our Coalition joined the 3rd Annual Black Maternal Health Week movement led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance. This year's theme, Centering Black Mamas: The Right to Live and Thrive , captures the importance of recognizing the strengths and elevating the voices of Black Mamas as we strive for Black Maternal Health Equity.

Following a week of amazing talks with experts and champions in the field, our Coalition convened on April 16th to discuss local action steps to advance Black Maternal Health Equity in our communities.

We invite you to read on and join us we build upon efforts to continue Centering Black Mamas.

Continuing our Commitment to Black Maternal Health Equity
We want to hear from you.

During our April 16th Coalition Meeting, we brainstormed actions that we as a Coalition can take to promote and uplift Black Maternal Health Equity in our community. Proposed actions ranged from awareness campaigns to self-education to policy-making.

What are your priority actions for the Coalition as we continue Committing to Black Maternal Health Equity?
EVENT COMING UP:
Friday May 8th at 3:00 PM | Register here!

The webinar will provide an ecological perspective to addressing maternal morbidity and mortality among Black women. The webinar will include: A short overview of the historical context of disparities in Black maternal health; the trailer for "Laboring with Hope"; the goals of the film, how it has been used, and how it aligns with local and national strategies and the power of media, art, and storytelling in public health practice.

Click  here  or scan the code on the flyer to save your seat!
Reminder: April 28th Scholar Support Night!

Tuesday April 28, 2020, 6-8PM, Join Virtually

Join us for an interactive discussion on strategies to enhance our capacity to support mental and emotional well-being in expectant and new parents.
Are you a Breastfeeding Scholar who is looking to connect with other Scholars?
Join the private Facebook Group just for Breastfeeding Scholars - a centralized location to stay updated on CERP opportunities, network with peers, and share and find resources.

Opportunities
Black Breastfeeding Week Planning Committee
Black Breastfeeding Week occurs on the last week of August and is dedicated to celebrating and uplifting the stories of Black breastfeeding families. Interested in helping shape the Boston Breastfeeding Coalition's Black Breastfeeding Week programming for 2020? Sign up to join the planning committee by emailing bostonbreastfeeding@bmc.org !

Boston Breastfeeding WARMLINE Counselor
Our newly launched breastfeeding Warmline is seeking volunteer peer counselors who have completed a lactation counseling training. If you are interested in supporting the Warmline, please sign up using this link or email bostonbreastfeeding@bmc.org with any questions!
The Boston Breastfeeding Coalition and the Boston Medical Center NICU team are developing a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program. We are seeking 1-2 peer counselors who have had experience in the NICU as a parent to launch this pilot program. If you are interested in this opportunity or would like to learn more, please contact bostonbreastfeeding@bmc.org .
Maternal and Infant Health Events & Resources
**Please confirm with event contacts that events are still occurring ahead of attending**
Registration open through April 29th or until filled!

The Community Baby Shower connects new and expectant parents experiencing economic hardship with maternal and early childhood education and resources, as well as access to gifts, food, and friendship. Registration ends April 29th or until filled. First-time parents with a child ages 0-6 months experiencing economic hardship can register here!

T he Boston Breastfeeding Coalition has rapidly mobilized to continue providing support to families through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Announcing our Breastfeeding Warmline! Breastfeeding Counselors are available every day to help. To get connected to support and community resources, call 857-301-8259 or email breastfeedingboston@gmail.com .

Virtual Baby Cafes are now available! Stay connected, informed, and supported by your community and trained Breastfeeding Counselors. Check out our website to see the full schedule of groups and join!
Vital Village Network has created a live map of food, diaper, and hygiene kit resources that are available throughout the Boston Area. WIC- and SNAP-friendly grocery stores are included in the map as well. Click here to view the map and resource list.

Our partners Cradles to Crayons has temporarily suspended KidPack deliveries. They are coordinating distribution of diapers, hygiene kits, and supplies to community sites. If you need supplies or have questions, please email bostonbreastfeeding@bmc.org .
Does your organization have resources available to communities? Are you seeking resources to share with families? Check out the Wellness Bank for community resources including food access, home instruction, COVID testing, and more.
Vital Village Network's Boston Breastfeeding Coalition is committed to improving access to breastfeeding support for every parent in Boston, promoting connections between individuals and organizations that engage in breastfeeding advocacy, and supporting pathways for professional lactation counselors.