Welcome to May

A Month of Blooming Awareness and Compassionate Connection

We kicked off this beautiful month with a vibrant celebration of community at our Pregnancy Expo and Family Festival. It was a joy to see so many families connecting, sharing resources, and building the village it takes to raise a child. That energy of support carries us forward into the rest of the month.

As the world around us blossoms, so too must our commitment to nurturing the mental well-being of parents and caregivers. May marks Maternal Mental Health Month, a time to uplift voices, break stigma, and remind every individual facing mental health struggles that they are seen, valued, and never alone.

At Breastfeed Durham, we believe support should be as natural and unconditional as family. Whether you're in the middle of a storm or just beginning to name what you're feeling, we’re here to walk beside you — with open arms and listening hearts.

This month, let’s keep that festival spirit alive by:

• Sparking conversations about the real joys and challenges of parenthood.
• Growing understanding for those navigating postpartum mood disorders.
• Strengthening the community so no parent feels isolated.

Together, we’re planting seeds of hope, healing, and lasting change.

With Gratitude, 
Breastfeed Durham Team

We are still floating on air! Despite Mother Nature’s attempt to rain on our parade, our community’s spirit was unshakeable. Moving from May 2nd to May 3rd was a whirlwind, but seeing many smiling faces at the Breastfeed Durham Pregnancy Expo & Family Festival made every pivot worth it.

To Our Incredible Community

Thank you for showing up for us. Whether you came for the resources, the entertainment, or the chance to connect with other growing families, your energy is what makes Durham so special. We hope you left feeling more supported, informed, and celebrated.

To Our Vendors, Sponsors, & Performers

An event of this scale simply doesn't happen without a supportive village.

• Vendors: Thank you for sharing your expertise and passion. You are the backbone of the support system our families rely on.
• Sponsors: Your generosity provided the foundation for this day. We truly could not have pulled this off without you. Your support in local families is an attestament to your value for a brighter future.
• Performers: A huge shoutout to Pierce Freelon and the Durham Charter School Orchestra! Thank you for providing the heartbeat of our festival. Your incredible talent brought so much joy and rhythm to our Sunday afternoon. We are so grateful you shared your music with our families.

Looking Ahead

We’ve already started dreaming about next year! We’ve learned that a little rain can’t stop this community, and we can’t wait to do it all over again in 2027.

P.S. If you have photos from the event, we’d love to see them! Tag us on social media @breastfeeddurham or hit reply to this email to share your favorite moments.

We were honored to join the Duke Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology for their second annual Climate Action Day. Our very own Love Anderson served on the panel, highlighting the vital connection between environmental health and the well-being of the families we serve.

A major takeaway from the event was the importance of the ongoing work of the SAFE Team. As extreme heat and weather events increasingly impact our region, we are focusing on building a proactive social safety net. By bridging the gap between clinical care and community-led support, we are working to ensure our families have the stability and resources necessary to thrive despite environmental challenges.

We look forward to continue to work alongside partners who recognize that health equity and climate justice go hand-in-hand.

Read more about building community resilience here:

Last month, Governor Josh Stein officially recognized Black Maternal Health Week this month, highlighting the urgent need to address disparities in North Carolina. With Black women nearly twice as likely to face pregnancy-related fatalities, the Governor is pushing for a $1.4 billion Critical Needs Budget to fund Medicaid and rural health initiatives. Read the full press release here.

Governor Josh Stein and NCDHHS Deputy Secretary Debra Farrington underscored a sobering reality: nearly 80% of pregnancy-related deaths in our state are preventable.

To combat this, the administration is highlighting several key initiatives:

• Medicaid Expansion: A call for $319 million to fully fund Medicaid, which covers half of all births in NC.
• "I Gave Birth" Initiative: Educational bracelets and training for emergency staff to recognize post-birth warning signs, now active in 50 birthing facilities.
• Extended Care: Reaffirming the permanent expansion of postpartum Medicaid coverage from 60 days to one full year.
• Mental Health Support: Promoting the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (1-833-TLC-MAMA) for 24/7 support.

Breastfeed Durham remains committed to these goals, ensuring every mother and baby in our community has the support they need to thrive. Learn more about the state’s plan.

Piedmont Health is seeking a WIC Nutritionist to provide vital nutrition counseling and support for families in our community. This role is essential in helping parents and children access the resources and education they need for a healthy start.

If you are passionate about public health and nutrition, consider applying!