Boston Breastfeeding Coalition Newsletter
August 2020
Celebrate Black Breastfeeding Week with us!
Revive. Restore. Reclaim.
Our Calendar of BBW Events
Uplift the CAN BBW Meeting
Join us for the 2020 BBW CAN community discussion on the historical context of black breastfeeding week and on what reclaiming black breastfeeding looks like.  On August 25th at 2pm, co-facilitated by the BBW committee
Virtual Family Paint Night
The final Family Virtual Paint Night will be Tuesday, August 25th from 5:30-6:30pm. We will highlight the work and artistry of children, youth, and families. Let's talk, and paint, and discuss breastfeeding Sign up for more information HERE. Register for our Virtual Paint Night HERE. 
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PROCLAMATION DAY! Springfield MA
Join Heart2Heartbeat Lactation & Wellness and the Breastfeeding Community Action Circle Collaboration on August 26th at 11am for a LIFT EVERY BABY and to CELEBRATE BLACK BREASTFEEDING WEEK with the City of Springfield Proclamation . Join the watch party live! Instagram Live: @LOVEH2HBEAT 
Facebook Live: @BLACKBREASTFEEDINGWEEK 
Virtual March and Drumming Circle
Join us in celebration of Black Breastfeeding Week on August 31st from 10am - 12pm with a drumming circle and lesson led by Jah Jah Drummers and reflections by the BBW Committee on cultural heritage and reviving black breastfeeding. Register HERE
Visit our Virtual Breastfeeding Support Groups
Join the Codman Square Baby Cafe for Virtual Family Yoga on Wednesday, August 26th from 2-4pm. Register here. 

Visit our virtual our support groups  to learn about how we've adapted our model to serve communities during this critical time. Engage in discussions about the Black breastfeeding narrative, cultural heritage and traditions.
Feature Blog
Danielle shares her reflections on breastfeeding her fourth son.


September Breastfeeding Coalition Meeting
Supporting Breastfeeding Equity and Racial Justice
Special guest Representative Kay Kahn
Thursday, September 17th @ 12pm ET || RSVP
We will discuss new legislation to achieve maternal and child health equity and collective actions our coalition can embrace
Virtual Support Groups
Breastfeeding Counselors are available every day to help. Call today for support from our trained & experienced peers.

CALL: 857-301-8259
Seeking breastfeeding support? Check out our 6 virtual breastfeeding support groups and WARMLINE!
Stay connected, informed, and supported by your community. Virtual breastfeeding support groups and Baby Cafes are held throughout the week.
Check out our website to register and join!

Virtual supports matter for breastfeeding. NYTimes Article of Interest featuring our partners at ROSE: With Less Breastfeeding Support, Mothers are Turning to Online Help
Opportunities
Leadership & Engagement

Seeking virtual peer counseling opportunities? Our WARMLINE is seeking volunteers who have completed a lactation counseling training and have experience as peer counselors.

The Charlestown Family Engagement Network is seeking volunteers to help facilitate a new breastfeeding support group, Beautiful Baby of Charlestown for Charlestown Families.
Encouraging Families Through Our Collective Stories.
Share your breastfeeding journey HERE
Virtual Conferences & Events
Breastfeeding in the Bay State Live Virtual Conference
Registration is open for the Mass Breastfeeding Coalition Annual Conference. This virtual zoom conference is for lactation professionals, doctors, midwives, doulas, nutritionists, volunteer breastfeeding counselors and others interested in evidence-based breastfeeding information.

2020 National Community Leadership Summit
Early Bird Tickets for the 2020 Annual National Community Leadership Summit close on August 31st!
Join us! Shape the conversation with fellow community leaders, practitioners, change agents, and advocates with over two days of virtual panels, workshops, breakout sessions, and plenaries.


Training Opportunities
Group Peer Support September Training - 2 Scholarships Available!
The Group Peer Support (GPS) virtual training is intended for community leaders, professionals and peers with lived experience learn how to implement and lead the GPS Model in their home communities. Participants will learn to create safe group environments for personal healing, resilience and recovery.

Contact: bostonbreastfeeding@bmc.org if you are interested in learning more.
This certificate is for those looking to further develop leadership and advocacy skills to organize and mobilize as advocates for families and children, and build relationships with community-based organizations to amplify the progress for children’s health and wellbeing across Boston neighborhoods. Students will acquire tools and develop skills to serve as better advocates for children and families. Apply Here!
Resources
New Facebook page from the Massachusetts State WIC Office @WeKnowBreastfeeding
New Facebook page from the Massachusetts State WIC Office @WeKnowBreastfeeding
Text KIDS to 8-8-5-8-8 to receive free text messages on nearby community resources, wellness tips, and family-fun activities.
Free app available on Apple, Android, and desktop for families to locate and access free or low-cost, high-quality local food resources in their neighborhoods
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.
CHILD WELLBEING SUPPORT AND COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT
As COVID-19 continues to impact families in unique ways, your voice will help ensure we continue to meet the needs of the community.
For families that are expecting or have children ages 0-11 please share your feedback by completing our Child Wellbeing Support Community Needs Assessment
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.