Art courtesy of Corrina Keeling of Love Letters for Everybody
Boston Breastfeeding Coalition Newsletter
October 2022
"What would it look like for educators to be in partnership with the children?... We fail to see that kids come with their own myriad of knowledge."
- Tanya Nixon-Silberg, Founder and Director at Little Uprisings
Thank you to everyone who was part of the Summit and helped make it a success!
Art courtesy of Corrina Keeling of Love Letters for Everybody
Opportunities and ways to stay connected post-Summit

  • Register for our November 17 NOW Workshop, "Food as a Public Work," with Pantaleon Florez III of Maseualkualli Farms and VVN 2022 Community Food Systems Fellow. This dynamic workshop on the Food As a Public Work Campaign seeks to reintegrate private lands into public commons while enacting food and agricultural producer justice via a targeted universalism approach. Register here.

  • Apply for the 2023 Community Food Systems Fellowship: Are you a community food systems advocate in your local region? We encourage you to apply or nominate someone for our 2023 program, focused on supporting community leaders from various communities across the country who are committed to food justice and equity in the food system. Deadline is November 7, 2022. Apply today.

  • Learn more about VVN’s 2023 Data Storytelling Workshop Series: Join this series from January to April 2023 focused on building capacity to create and share stories that support social change using data tools. Register here for an introductory call on December 7, 2022 at 5:30 - 6:30pm ET.
Unsung Hero Award

We are currently accepting nominations for our 2022 Unsung Hero Award! We're looking for a community leader who's doing exceptional work in their community or organization to promote child and family wellness. Know someone who deserves more recognition? Nominate them here.
Federal Student Loan Forgiveness

The Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Application website is open!
Although the initiative has been put on pause due to a lawsuit from 6 US states (you can learn more here), this does not mean that you shouldn't fill the application out. The White House encourages individuals to fill the application out if they have not already.
Pregnancy, Infant, and Child Loss Awareness Month
October was designated as Pregnancy, Infant, and Child Loss Awareness Month by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 "to recognize the unique grief of bereaved parents in an effort to demonstrate support to the many families who have suffered such a tragic loss." In the words of the Star Legacy Foundation, "promoting awareness of pregnancy and infant loss not only increases the likelihood that grieving families will receive understanding and support, but also results in improved education and prevention efforts which may ultimately reduce the incidence of these tragedies."

Below we have linked organizations with Boston-area contacts that work with and help bereaved parents heal and know that they are not alone.
Celebrating the Bilingual Child Month
According to National Today, "Celebrate the Bilingual Child Month was founded in 2006 by Language Lizard to help children who are learning to speak two or more languages and also provide support to their parents and teachers. The aim is to showcase learning in a fun and interactive manner while also providing educational and fun ways to celebrate diversity in the classroom and at home."

Being bilingual or multilingual not only helps a child be immersed in more than one environment on a profound level, but has shown to have measurable cognitive benefits. Below we have some resources for teachers and parents/caregivers of bilingual children.
Dyslexia Awareness Month
Dyslexia is the most common learning difficulty, with some estimates being as high as 1 in 5 students having it with an equal split between girls and boys. Some early signs include delays in speaking, consistent omission of certain words, difficulty with verbal acquisition, using fully phonetic spelling.

Below are some resources for parents/caregivers of dyslexic children.
Network Events
Mattapan Hugs and Play
10:30am to 12:30pm
Held every other Wednesday

Join the Mattapan Family Engagement Network for Mattapan Hugs and Play, a parent/caregiver and child playgroup for infants and toddlers! Included will be circle time, story time, independent play, as well as education about child development for parents and caregivers.

Please email hugsandplay@gmail.com with any questions.

This event is held at the Mattapan Public Library at 1350 Blue Hill Ave, Mattapan MA 02126
Resources
As part of Baby Dove’s commitment to helping close the gap in care and health outcomes for Black expecting mothers, birthing individuals, and their babies, Baby Dove is launching The Black Birth Equity Fund. The Fund will provide immediate care to expecting Black moms and birthing individuals by increasing access to doulas as critical supports in the birthing journey. If selected, winners will be awarded a one-time grant in the amount of $1,300. Funds shall be used by the grantee to assist with Doula services in their birthing journey.
Formula Shortage Guidance
HHS has launched the Information for Families During the Formula Shortage web page that contains a comprehensive list of resources and guidance for families seeking formula during the shortage. Use the Baby Formula Shortage Social Media Toolkit to help direct people to the resource page.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has also released a guide on what to do if you cannot find any formula, which you can find here.

If you are interested in learning more about specific advice for those partially breastfeeding, currently not breastfeeding, and those exclusively breastfeeding, please consult the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Guide here.
The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) has partnered with Mass Cultural Council to offer free or discounted admissions to many of the Commonwealth's museums and cultural institutions through the EBT Card to Culture Program. Residents who receive DTA benefits can get discounted admission by showing their EBT card. Through 2022, these organizations are also accepting P-EBT cards. This program includes 127 discounted or free locations in Greater Boston, such harbor tours, music lessons, museum tickets, concerts, etc. Learn more here!
Legislation Highlight
Providing Urgent Maternal Protections
The Providing Urgent Maternal Protections (PUMP) for Nursing Mothers Act (H.R. 3110/S. 1658) was advanced by the Senate HELP Committee with unanimous, bipartisan support on May 25, 2021, but has not yet been considered by the full Senate, even though it was passed in the House with a strong bipartisan vote last October. The PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act is the strongest workplace lactation law ever proposed in Congress and would close the coverage gap by expanding protections, as well as provide further guidance for nursing employees and employers.
If you are interested in more information, you can find a variety of tools and resources, press the button below.
Creating a Respectful and Open Environment for Natural Hair
(CROWN) Act
The Creating a Respectful and Open Environment for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act aims to create protections for natural and protective hairstyles to prevent race-based hair discrimination in school and work environments. Forcing conformity to Eurocentric beauty standards is costly, from the economic impact of spending money to alter one's hair texture and the lack of Black hair products and salons/barbershops, to the personal impact that such discrimination has on the individual.
Although Massachusetts recently signed the CROWN Act into law, that is not yet the case on the federal level. The CROWN Act passed the House of Representatives and is now in the hands of the Senate. If it were to pass, natural hairstyles would be protected under Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act, as well as other civil rights laws.
If you are interested in more information or want to find out how to support the passage of the CROWN Act federally, please see the buttons below:
Employment Opportunities
Research Assistant in Equity in Pregnancy Initiatives
The OB/GYN department and the Health Equity Accelerator are looking to hire a new Research Assistant II for our Equity in Pregnancy initiatives. The person in this role will support research operations and participate in evaluation of projects within the Equity in Pregnancy portfolio. You can read more about the role and apply here. Please reach out to Giavanna Gaskin (Giavanna.Gaskin@bmc.org) if interested, or with any questions. You can find the LinkedIn posting here.

Accompany Doula Care is looking for an Executive Director. This position is a full-time exempt employee, who is committed to addressing inequities in birth work and has the ability to support our diverse, dynamic, and growing organization. If you have a background in development and nonprofit management, an interest in working in a non-profit start-up environment, and a passion for maternal and child health or public health, we would like to meet you! Learn more here.
Volunteer Opportunities

There is a variety of volunteering opportunities at Rosie's Place! You can help out in the food kitchen or teach a class. High school students can learn about social justice issues while earning community service hours, and you can coordinate a drive for much-needed items!

Our support groups are still meeting, just virtually! We are looking for more volunteers to help us support mothers. Any direct lactation mentoring done during virtual support groups can count towards IBCLC hours.
TBK empowers children, youth, the elderly and families to take charge of their health and well-being through hands-on cooking classes. These classes are led by professional chefs and teach students to create cost-effective meals at home with kitchen safety and nutrition lessons. The program also works closely with partners to build culturally aware curriculums, respecting the diversity of our foods while teaching youth to cook healthier versions of ethnic dishes. If you are interested in TBK classes for your group or organization, please email Haley House's Program Director Jay Vilar, to get started: jvilar@haleyhouse.org and if you are interested in volunteering with Haley House, you can click here to learn more.
Educational Materials, Resources, and Webinars
NCBC Fall 2022 Virtual Breastfeeding Conference
Friday, November 4
8:30am - 4:00pm MDT
This course is intended for physicians, physician assistants, international board certified lactation counselors, lactation professionals, registered nurses, registered dietitians, nurse practitioners, certified midwives, doulas, and other professionals working with pregnant patients and/or new parents.
Topics include:
  1. Teaching babies to nurse
  2. Mastitis and lymphatic massage
  3. Help! Breastfeeding makes me feel bad, sad, or mad
  4. Lactation support for children with special needs
*5.5 CERPs and CEUs have been applied for on behalf of Nurses, Registered Dietitians, and Lactation Professionals.
*Event will be recorded and viewable until 01-04-2023 for those who register that cannot attend live.
2022 Enhancing Community Resilience to Improve Maternal Health
Friday, November 18
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM EST

This year's workshop will be a hybrid experience with both in-person and virtual options!
Tickets are limited for in-person attendance and RSVP is required. Breakfast & lunch will be provided for the in-person experience.
Virtual attendance will be on Zoom and live from the Boston Public Library.
March for Moms look forward to elevating innovative programs from community-based organizations that are providing postpartum support in different regions of the United States!
In an effort to continue supporting the reproductive wellness needs of women, Love Your Menses is pleased to offer a FREE 8-week postpartum education and support group for Black and Brown pregnant and postpartum individuals living in the Greater Boston area.

Our postpartum education and support group features:
  • Weekly educational sessions
  • Sister circles 
  • Group chats with postpartum doulas and OB/GYNs
  • Postpartum care packages and other giveaways
  • and MUCH MORE!

Timeline:​ The Fall session program will take place from September 2022-November 2022.

Learn more about the program and the eligibility requirements/apply here: https://www.loveyourmenses.com/postpartum
Hi, my name is Dominique Bellegarde. 

I am a woman of the community, dedicated to serving and empowering families, I am a mom to four amazing children with 4 different personalities. I cater to their needs and these 5 principles have continued to teach me to continue on as their learning coach.

 I have the honor of facilitating a 5 part series for families with children 0-5years old.
You will learn the 5 principles to support your skill as a parent.
You will be able to see videos with examples.
You will be able to have discussions while in this workshop.

You are invited to take this journey along with me.
Being a parent is hard work!
Do you agree with that statement?
Are you looking to learn and improve your parenting skills as a learner ?
Do you want to learn and understand your child(ren)’s behaviors and reactions?

Please come join me for a 5part series to learn all the principles for 5 Sundays in these upcoming weeks.
Please answer the question below,
 
Morning Sessions: 9-11am or Afternoon Sessions: 1-3pm

Please register, click this link: AM session:

Please register, click this link: PM session:

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Dominique Bellegarde Certified Lactation Counselor

Email me: dlegacypacesetter@gmail.com Website: www.dlegacypacesetters.guru

To build equity capacity of individuals and organizations, and address health inequity, National Healthy Start Association’s Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health Community Care Initiative (AIM CCI) provides this web-based comprehensive curriculum for professionals who work in community-based service organizations. RELS is accredited by APHA, meaning learners can receive free continuing education credits for the successful completion of each module.
Resources
Breastfeeding and Mental Health Pocket Guide
Mental health providers should know the positive correlation between breastfeeding and mental health and the negative correlation between weaning and mental health and speak to patients about the importance of breastfeeding for positive mental health outcomes. Download the Breastfeeding and Mental Health Guidance Pocket Guide at mibreastfeeding.org/tools under the “Mental Health” tab.
This guide lists programs and organizations that provide free diapers to community members with updated contact information and eligibility requirements. The guide includes locations for Greater Boston, Northeastern Massachusetts, and Southeastern Massachusetts.
Regularly updated with descriptions, contact info, locations, hours, and website links for important basic family needs.
Resources and tools to help institutions, community organizations, schools, and worksites to improve consistency and collaborations with other organizations to ensure a seamless support system for lactation.
The Blueprint, developed with a public health lens, aims to increase local capacity to implement community-driven approaches to support chest/breastfeeding, centered on the needs of populations disproportionately impacted by structural barriers that leads to low rates of breastfeeding.
We love staying up-to-date with your news! If you want us to share out updates, events, flyers, webinars, or job opportunities, let us know. You can email us at bostonbreastfeeding@bmc.org or tag @bostonbreastfeeding on relevant Facebook posts and we can re-share on social media or add to our Coalition Newsletters.
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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 offerings, scholarship opportunities, network with peers, and share and find resources.
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.