2024 marked a historic low for infant deaths in Durham County—this year, we celebrate The Numbers That Change Everything TWELVE. That’s how many families in Durham County grieved the loss of an infant in 2024. Down from THIRTY-TWO families in 2019. Durham County achieved a 62.3% reduction in infant mortality—from 7.7 deaths per 1,000 live births in […]
A 62.3% Reduction in Durham’s Infant Mortality Read More »
Durham’s birth outcomes are improving — and they are improving because the community has spent the last 8 years building a coordinated, countywide system to support human milk feeding and maternal health. The Ten Steps to a Breastfeeding Family Friendly Community form the backbone of that work. This framework, created by the Carolina Global Breastfeeding
In Spring 2026, Breastfeed Durham will celebrate its eighth birthday — nearly a decade of sustained, community-driven systems change. What began as a small pilot guided by the Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute has grown into one of the most comprehensive community lactation ecosystems in the country. As Durham’s birth outcomes begin to show signs of stabilization and
As Breastfeed Durham Approach Our 8th Birthday: What’s Next for 2026? Read More »
Durham is moving in the right direction.While maternal and infant health outcomes across the nation continue to worsen, the newest March of Dimes Report Card suggests something different may be happening here at home. Durham’s preterm birth trend is stabilizing — and early signals point to gradual improvement. Why? We believe it’s because Durham is
When we first began Breastfeed Durham, we knew that our libraries were essential partners. Over the years, our work with Durham’s public libraries has shown us how families are welcomed to breastfeed, and we’ve watched a clear, consistent message of support grow stronger. Through ongoing conversations with county commissioners and library leadership, we’ve seen real change.
Breastfeeding Family Friendly Libraries in Durham County Read More »
When we first began Breastfeed Durham, we know that our libraries are essential. Over the year our work with Durham’s public libraries, we have seen how families are welcomed to breastfeed. We have see a clear and consistent message of support grow. Over the years, through conversations with county commissioners and library leadership, we’ve seen
Breastfeeding Family Friendly Libraries in Durham County Read More »
On Wednesday, May 14, Breastfeed Durham spent the day at the heart of our community — the Durham Farmers’ Market — followed by a cozy and informative Starting Solids Workshop for families ready to take the next step in their feeding journey. From fresh produce to first bites, the day was full of learning, laughter,
Fresh Starts and First Foods: May 14 with Breastfeed Durham Read More »
Every year during Black Maternal Health Week, we are called to remember the mothers and babies we’ve lost—and to take action to protect the ones we still have. We live and work in Durham, North Carolina—the so-called “City of Medicine.” But despite our proximity to world-class medical institutions, Black families here face an alarming and
When a Health System Says “No” to Lactation Equity Read More »
Minority Health Month is a time to reflect on the systemic inequities that affect health outcomes in communities of color. One of the most pressing yet often overlooked aspects of maternal and infant health is the ability of parents to meet their infant feeding goals—whether through breastfeeding, combination feeding, or formula feeding. The disparities in
As an organization dedicated to supporting breastfeeding families, Breastfeed Durham understands that access to adequate nutrition is essential for maternal and infant health. Yet, proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and school meal programs threaten to put families in Durham and across North Carolina at greater risk of food insecurity. We must
Protecting Food Benefits for Breastfeeding Families in Durham, NC Read More »
