My name is Jess Shaver, I am a home-schooling British mum living outside Chapel Hill on a small regenerative farm with Andy, my NC-born husband, and our sons Caleb (8) and Silas (6). I am passionate about participating in the rite of an accompanied birth. I want to support families – especially those who have […]
My name is Jess Shaver, I am a home-schooling British mum living outside Chapel Hill on a small regenerative farm with Andy, my NC-born husband, and our sons Caleb (8) and Silas (6). Living and working as a humanitarian aid worker in remote villages and bustling cities across West and East Africa for 15 years
The Rite of Accompanied Birth Read More »
Editor’s note (September 2026): This post is kept as part of Breastfeed Durham’s history and reflects 2022. The 2022 March of Dimes Yearly Report Card is out now. This yearly report presents the state of maternal and infant health in the United States. How did North Carolina and Durham county specifically rank on this year’s
2022 and 2023 March of Dimes Report Card Read More »
This is a must-read article! There are plans for a new birth center opening in Durham in Fall 2023 under completely different leadership. We know you care about access to these services for families, so please fill out the Aya Birth & Community Wellness community survey! Tina and Amber are working hard during the research and development phase
Aya Birth & Community Wellness Community Survey Read More »
For many parents, including myself, a family’s primary care providers are critical to successful lactation. Especially when you have a child with health challenges, you see your primary care provider every few days in the beginning. Our primary care provider was our point of contact for everything. Having truly supportive healthcare clinics, means having support
Medical Office Sample Lactation Policy Read More »
A few weeks ago Breastfeed Durham had the pleasure of meeting with Brianna Monk, MA, MPH, from the NC Department of Health and Human Services. Brianna took the opportunity to remind us that NC Medicaid postpartum health care coverage has increased from 60 days to 12 months for eligible beneficiaries. Please take a moment, right now,
NC Medicaid Extension of Postpartum Coverage Read More »
The Breastfeed Durham Community has been invited to attend a special virtual event. The Community-Campus Partnerships for Health is hosting an online screening and conversation of The Color of Care. The Color of Care chronicles how people of color suffer from systemically substandard healthcare. COVID-19 exposed what they have long understood and lived: they do
Baby Bistro will meet every Monday from 11a-12p starting October 3rd, 2022. Every second Monday of the month will be bilingual English/Spanish. The goal of this group is to serve the needs of infants and families in those first few months after birth. Lactation consultants will be available with the weighing scale to provide education
Baby Bistro is Back Read More »
As we embark on so much change in the Durham community, Breastfeed Durham wanted to take a moment to highlight the NC Perinatal Health Strategic Plan (PHSP). PHSP serves as a statewide guide to improve maternal and infant health and the health of all people of reproductive age. The plan’s primary focus is increasing health
Perinatal Health Strategic Plan Read More »
Editor’s note (September 2026): This post is kept as part of Breastfeed Durham’s historical record from 2022. Join Breastfeed Durham and Dr. Annie Dotson, M.D., Duke Department of Family Medicine & Community Health, on October 11, 2022, at 12pm (noon) to discuss creating chest/breastfeeding friendly healthcare policies. October 11 at 12 PM Register (Note: This
Writing Breastfeeding Friendly Medical System Policy | October 11, 2022 Read More »
