As a school year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey I’ve embarked on together over the past few months with Breastfeed Durham. Since August, members of the Breastfeed Durham implementation team, Durham County Department of Public Health, and myself have been going door-to-door, engaging with local business owners, and spreading the word about the importance of supporting lactating families in our community. We believe that I member of the community plays a role in reducing and fit mortality and improving health equity. It’s a mission that’s close to our hearts, and today, I am thrilled to share and celebrate the fruits of our collective efforts.
As part of our work of implementing the 10 steps to a Breastfeeding Family Friendly Communities is not just about health; it’s about building a community that embraces diversity, inclusivity, and respect. It’s about ensuring that every family, regardless of race, ethnicity, immigration status, nationality, creed, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, family structure, primary language, ability, or class, feels welcomed and respected. And it’s about recognizing the incredible businesses that are stepping up to make this vision a reality.
From Relatable Lactation LLC in Raleigh to El Futuro in Durham, each of our new Breastfeeding Friendly Community Partners has shown a remarkable commitment to this cause. These businesses have not only pledged to welcome and respect breastfeeding families, but they’ve also committed to supporting their lactating employees by providing breaks for milk expression and private spaces that are not bathrooms for this purpose. It’s a testament to their dedication to creating a supportive, inclusive environment for all.
But our work doesn’t stop at just welcoming these businesses into our fold. We’re also celebrating their achievements and commitments on our social media pages and our website. We want the world to know about the great strides we’re making in Durham and beyond. We’re also sharing their information with local and state breastfeeding coalitions, broadening the network of support and recognition for these trailblazers.
As we move forward, let’s take a moment to applaud not only the businesses that have joined us but also the incredible team and community members who have made this possible. Your passion, dedication, and hard work are what fuel this movement. Together, we’re not just changing policies; we’re nurturing a culture of support, respect, and inclusivity.
Family is great.
Health and Wellness
- Relatable Lactation LLC (8/9/2023): A lactation consultancy in Raleigh, dedicated to providing personalized breastfeeding support to families.
- Triangle Lactation (10/1/2023): Offers comprehensive lactation consulting services to assist with all aspects of breastfeeding in Raleigh.
- El Futuro (10/16/2023): A non-profit clinic providing mental health services to the Latino community in Durham, emphasizing compassionate care.
- Gift of Love Postpartum Care (11/15/2023): Specializes in postpartum support services, ensuring new mothers receive the care and guidance they need.
- Lactancia Supermama (1/22/2024): A Spanish-speaking IBCLC offering virtual lactation consultations, based in Florida but supporting the Durham community online.
Food and Beverage
- Der Nachbar Bottleshop and Taps (9/22/2023): A cozy bottle shop and taproom in Durham, welcoming to families and supporting breastfeeding.
- GNC (10/31/2023): A leading retailer of health and nutrition products, committed to supporting lactating employees in Durham.
- Esmeralda’s Cafe (1/5/2024): A local café in Durham that prides itself on being a welcoming space for breastfeeding families.
- Tandoor Indian Restaurant (2/23/2024): Offers authentic Indian cuisine in Durham, with a commitment to inclusivity and support for breastfeeding families.
- Sarah’s Empanadas (2/23/2024): Known for delicious empanadas and a friendly atmosphere for all families in Durham.
- Moe’s Original BBQ – Durham (12/14/2023): A favorite for Southern BBQ, offering a welcoming environment for breastfeeding families.
- International Delights (12/14/2023): A Durham-based eatery offering a variety of international foods, supporting breastfeeding employees and patrons.
Retail
- Rumors Boutique (12/29/2023): A preloved fashion boutique in Durham, promoting a supportive environment for breastfeeding employees and shoppers.
- New Fashions (1/5/2024): A fashion retailer in Durham, committed to creating a comfortable space for breastfeeding employees and customers.
- Casa Bella Market (2/12/2024): Offers a variety of goods in Durham, with a focus on inclusivity and support for breastfeeding.
- Linden’s Dancewear (2/12/2024): Specializes in dance apparel and accessories in Durham, accommodating the needs of breastfeeding employees.
Services
- Church World Service (11/29/2023): An organization in Durham dedicated to helping refugees and immigrants, supportive of breastfeeding within its workforce.
- East Durham Sweet Shoppe (12/14/2023): A local bakery in Durham, offering a sweet spot for breastfeeding families and employees.
- Divine Designs by The Wedding Woman (12/14/2023): A Durham-based wedding planning service, committed to supporting breastfeeding employees.
- Ninth Street Flowers (12/14/2023): A florist in Durham, creating an inclusive environment for both customers and employees who breastfeed.
- Hair Gallery Plus (12/14/2023): A Durham hair salon, providing a private space for breastfeeding employees.
- Pupuseria Anita (12/14/2023): A local eatery in Durham, welcoming breastfeeding families and supportive of lactating staff.
- Elixir Barbería & Salón (12/14/2023): A barber and salon in Durham, embracing policies that support breastfeeding employees.
- Chalo’s Club Herbalife (12/14/2023): A Herbalife nutrition club in Durham, committed to accommodating breastfeeding employees.
- Peluqueria Belleza A La Moda (12/14/2023): A hair salon in Durham, offering a supportive environment for breastfeeding staff.
- Phone Repair Zone (1/31/2024): Specializes in mobile phone repairs in Durham, with a commitment to supporting breastfeeding employees.
- Ro Cake Studio (2/8/2024): A Durham-based cake studio, creating a welcoming space for breastfeeding employees.
- Smallcakes NC (1/4/2024): A cupcake and sweet treat bakery in Durham, supportive of breastfeeding mothers.
Venues and Events
- Wedding and Event Venue (Durham Exchange) (2/8/2024): A premier venue in Durham for weddings and events, inclusive of breastfeeding families and employees.
Education and Childcare
- Families and Communities Rising
To our new partners, welcome to the Breastfeed Durham family. We’re honored to have you with us, standing shoulder to shoulder in our mission to support breastfeeding families. Your commitment inspires us, and together, we’re making a difference.
Let’s continue to grow this movement, to reach out to more businesses, and to create an even more inclusive, supportive Durham. Here’s to the difference we’ve made and to the even greater impact we’ll have in the future.