We are thrilled to report the success of Breastfeed Durham’s efforts in the Improving Communities Outcomes for Maternal and Child Health (ICO4MCH) Breastfeeding Scope of Work. The Durham ICO4MCH funding initiative aims to promote maternal and child health in communities across Durham and is managed by the Durham County Department of Public Health. We want to celebrate the achievement of Objective 4 from the October 2022- April 2023 funding cycle – “Set up at least 10 lactation stations/areas in Durham County businesses”. With the financial assistance of DCoDPH, the tireless efforts of Breastfeed Durham staff/volunteers, the generous financial support of business owners themselves, and additional funding from donors like you, we were able to leverage the DCoDPH funding to install 38 spaces rather than 10. We have been working on this project for 3 years and the Durham ICO4MCH funding allowed us to double the number of family friendly spaces in Durham within 7 short months.
Breastfeeding is a crucial component of optimal infant and young child feeding, and it is essential to promote and support human milk feeding in combination with other complementary feeding options. Durham County stakeholders have chosen the 10 Successful Steps for Human Milk Feeding, with a specific focus on Steps 3 and 10, as one of the evidence-based strategies to improve birth outcomes, reduce infant mortality, and improve the health status of children ages birth to five.
We worked with businesses in the Durham area to provide a safe and welcoming space for families to breastfeed. With in this funding cycle, we have 38 businesses who have affirmed their commitment to creating a supportive environment for breastfeeding families. With Breastfeed Durham’s assistance supported by the ICO4MCH funding, 24 of the businesses have set up a private space for their employees, and 17 of them have developed a lactation policy.
- American Underground
- Bella Capelli Salon
- Boost Mobile on Wake Forest Hwy
- Cellfixx
- CitiTrends
- Cricket Wireless on Wake Forest Hwy
- Dollar Tree on Glenn School Rd
- Duke Beauty Supply
- Durham Charter School
- Emily Anderson Postpartum Solutions L.L.C.
- First Presbyterian Day School;;
- Freeman’s Creative
- Gold Diggers Liquidation
- J Palmas #1
- Jr Panache’s Nail & Spa
- Journey of Motherhood
- KFC on Horton Rd
- Las Palmas #1
- MAAME, Inc.
- Mariam African Hair Braiding
- Max Hugo Interior Design
- Nail care
- Nantucket Grill
- Old Navy at New Hope Commons
- Part & Parcel
- Plaza Latina
- Pokeworks
- Rofhiwa Book Cafe
- Shoe Show on Glenn School Rd
- Stylz Unlimited
- Subway, Coffee World, Ice Cream Club
- Temple Studio
- The Exercise Coach on Hwy 751, Suite 105
- The Wonder Lab
- Triangle Party Rentals LLC
- Triangle Pharmacy
- Ultimate Fertility and Lactation Consulting LLC
- Village Italian Pizzeria
- Full List of Breastfeeding Friendly Businesses
- Apply Today to become a community partner
Breastfeed Durham’s efforts in promoting human milk feeding-friendly environments have been invaluable in improving the health of children in Durham County. We commend them for their dedication and commitment to collective impact and implementation of strategies across multiple institutions and community organizations that will impact health disparities and health outcomes.
Breastfeed Durham received financial support for this project from the ICO4MCH, and while they expected the funding to go towards supplies for remodeling businesses, Breastfeed Durham found that most of the funding went towards providing support for businesses to rethink how they utilized their space to welcome families. Community partners preferred to buy their own supplies and encouraged Breastfeed Durham to use the funding to address the needs of the community and continue going door-to-door. We also want to celebrate that for every business that filled out our application an additional 381 businesses were approached in person and 2,139 were emailed. Because many of these businesses are owned by national corporations they were not able to get approval to fill out the paperwork, but many of them proudly display our info cards and are now going beyond the requirements of the law to welcoming breast, chest, and human milk feeding employees and patrons. A special thank you to our private donors who are able to fund our Executive Director, Bernadette Greene, to take her time and talk with each community member. Breastfeed Durham has the financial flexibility to spend the time we need supporting the community with the financial support to buy additional necessary supplies.
Breastfeeding is a natural and beautiful way to nourish our babies. As a community, we need to remember that supporting breastfeeding families means letting them breastfeed wherever and however they feel comfortable. While having a designated lactation space is nice, it’s not required. We want to welcome people to breast, chest, and human milk feed wherever and however they are living their lives, whether it’s in a park, a restaurant, or a shopping center. Breastfeeding should be normalized and celebrated, and we can all play a part in creating a supportive environment for families to breastfeed their babies.
We would like to express our gratitude to all of the amazing volunteers and employees who have contributed to the success of Breastfeed Durham. Specifically, we want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of Victoria A Person, Rachel Lewis, Love Anderson, Madelyn Alyse Swedberg, Anne Berry, and countless others who generously gave their time to support our mission. We also want to extend our appreciation to our wonderful child care providers who helped us by watching the kids while we went door-to-door. Without the support of these individuals, our work would not be possible, and we are incredibly grateful for their contributions to the Breastfeed Durham community.
Thanks to their community partners’ support and volunteers, Breastfeed Durham was able to reach and support 38 businesses (rather than only 10).
Thank you for the opportunity to work together towards improving maternal and child health outcomes in Durham County.
As an advocate of Breastfeed Durham it was very important to me to not just talk to the people in the community about how Breastfeeding is important and how it is changing the world it is important to connect with families and hear their stories on the amazing experiences to the what if and pain of not being able to breastfeed. Here are a few stories we would love to share with you.
-Bernadette Greene, Executive Director of Breastfeed Durham
American Underground (3 spaces)(in progress)
American Underground is a coworking space located in Durham, North Carolina. They provide a shared workspace for entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses. With more than 1,000 people using their space, they recognized the need to provide lactation spaces for mothers who work in the building. To support their breastfeeding employees and visitors, American Underground installed three separate lactation spaces within their facility. Breastfeed Durham was able to assist in making these spaces more comfortable and supportive for breastfeeding families.
Specifically, Breastfeed Durham provided two beautiful paintings in each room, a 100-page resource notebook in each room, ensured comfortable couches, tables, and appropriate lighting for the space. By providing these lactation spaces and working with Breastfeed Durham to make them more welcoming and supportive, American Underground demonstrates a commitment to supporting their employees and visitors who are breastfeeding. This not only helps mothers feel more comfortable and supported at work but also helps promote a more family-friendly workplace culture.
Durham Charter School
Breastfeed Durham worked with Durham Charter School to create a designated lactation space for their employees and visitors who are breastfeeding. The space is equipped with three beautiful pictures to create a calm and relaxing atmosphere, two sturdy chairs for comfortable seating during lactation, and a nice clean table to hold personal items or a breast pump.
In addition, Breastfeed Durham provided a resource notebook in the lactation space which includes information on lactation, breastfeeding tips, and local resources for breastfeeding support. The space is available for use Monday through Friday during school hours for lactation purposes, and on weekends, it can be used by the church office.
Overall, the lactation space at Durham Charter School serves as a private and comfortable area for breastfeeding mothers to pump milk or nurse their babies in a supportive environment.
Emily Anderson Postpartum Solutions L.L.C.
Emily Anderson Postpartum Solutions L.L.C. is a strong advocate for breastfeeding and supporting lactating families in the Triangle area. Emily’s business is focused on providing postpartum support to new mothers and their families. When she was trying to grow her business, she reached out to Love Anderson, one of the co-founders of Breastfeed Durham, for collaboration. Despite knowing each other for years due to their kids attending the same school, they never discussed work until that phone call. Since then, Emily has continued to support Breastfeed Durham by attending events and sending clients their way.
At Emily’s postpartum solutions facility, clients can expect a comfortable and home-like environment. Emily has created a safe and welcoming space for families to breastfeed, where they can feel at ease and supported. Her lactation space is specifically designed to be comfortable for both the mother and baby. If anyone is struggling with breastfeeding, they can come to Emily’s space to receive support and guidance in a comfortable and nurturing environment. Overall, Emily Anderson Postpartum Solutions L.L.C. is a valuable resource for new mothers and their families in the Triangle area.
First Presbyterian Day School
First Presbyterian Day School in Durham is a 5-star childcare facility that has been in operation since 1970. They are the first locally designated Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care Provider in Durham. The facility offers a looping program, which means that infants and toddlers who enter the program remain with the same friends and teachers until they are 4 years old and move to the preschool classroom.
The process of applying for the Durham Breastfeeding Friendly Childcare Designation was seamless for First Presbyterian Day School. The director, Michele, reached out to Breastfeed Durham to review the policy, space, and materials they had in place. Love and Shawna from Breastfeed Durham provided feedback about the things that needed to be added to complete the application. After making the necessary adjustments, the application was submitted and within a few weeks, First Presbyterian Day School was notified about the award. Michele expressed her gratitude for the support of Breastfeed Durham during the journey.
First Presbyterian Day School is committed to supporting the breastfeeding community and adheres to the Ten Steps to Breastfeeding-Friendly Child Care. They make a commitment to the importance of breastfeeding and share this commitment with fellow staff. They train all staff to promote optimal infant and young child feeding and inform women and families about the importance of breastfeeding. The facility provides learning and play opportunities that normalize breastfeeding for children and ensures that all breastfeeding families they serve are able to properly store and label milk for child care center use. They also provide a breastfeeding-friendly environment and support breastfeeding employees. Additionally, they develop a feeding plan that supports best infant feeding practices with each family, contact and coordinate with local skilled breastfeeding support, and actively refer. Finally, they continue to update and learn about the protection, promotion, and support of breastfeeding.
Freeman’s Creative
Freeman’s Creative is a creative space in Durham that offers a variety of services and events, including sewing classes, workshops, and parties. In addition to their creative offerings, Freeman’s Creative is also committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for breastfeeding families. The owner has a personal connection to breastfeeding, having spent hundreds of hours rocking her own children in the space’s rocking chair.
At Freeman’s Creative, breastfeeding families are always welcomed to relax and nurse in the space. They have a designated private area that parents or employees can step into if they need to breastfeed or pump. Breastfeed Durham brochures are proudly displayed throughout the space to promote awareness and education around breastfeeding. The space is kept clean and tidy to ensure that families feel comfortable and supported.
Overall, Freeman’s Creative is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive space for all families, including those who are breastfeeding. They are proud to support Breastfeed Durham’s mission and to promote a culture of inclusivity and support for all.
Gold Diggers Liquidation
Gold Diggers Liquidation is a unique and bustling store located in the heart of East Durham. From the moment you step inside, it’s clear that every square inch of the space is utilized to its fullest potential. Despite the crowded and busy atmosphere, the owners are extremely supportive of breastfeeding families and lactating employees. When approached by Breastfeed Durham to participate in the Breastfeeding-Friendly Business Program, the owner was eager to fill out the application and become a designated Breastfeeding-Friendly Business.
While there may not be a designated lactation space for customers in the store, the owner is more than happy to accommodate breastfeeding families by allowing them to bring in their babies in carriers. This is the perfect place for families who are looking to make their dollar stretch while navigating the financial strain of bringing a new person into their family. In addition to their support for customers, Gold Diggers Liquidation offers lactation support for their employees in a shared office space. They understand the importance of treating their employees like family and providing a supportive and inclusive environment for all.
The owners of Gold Diggers Liquidation go above and beyond to create a welcoming and supportive space for everyone who enters their store. Whether you’re a customer or an employee, you’re treated like family and supported in all aspects of your life, including your breastfeeding journey. Breastfeed Durham is proud to partner with businesses like Gold Diggers Liquidation and celebrate their commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive community for all families.
They are not only supportive of lactating employees but also proudly displays the Breastfeed Durham window cling and brochures. This serves as a visible symbol of their commitment to creating a welcoming environment for breastfeeding, chestfeeding, and human milk feeding families. The owner’s dedication to treating everyone like family, including their employees and customers, is reflected in their support for breastfeeding and their commitment to providing a safe and comfortable space for lactating employees. Despite being a busy and crowded store, Gold Diggers Liquidation is a welcoming and inclusive space for families.
Journey of Motherhood
Journey of Motherhood is a Durham-based organization that provides support for pregnant and postpartum individuals. Founded in 1999, the organization is committed to creating a proactive partnership for a healthy and comfortable pregnancy, birth, and transition into parenthood. Led by Joanne Dahill, CD(DONA), HCHI, LMBT (NC lic #548), GCFP, Journey of Motherhood offers a variety of services to support the whole being of expectant and new parents.
One of the services that Journey of Motherhood offers is a lactation space for nursing parents. Joanne Dahill, the founder of Journey of Motherhood, believes that birth is a sacred and transformative time, and she is honored to support families as they welcome new life into the world. The lactation space at Journey of Motherhood is a reflection of this philosophy. It is a warm, welcoming space that provides a comfortable and private environment for nursing parents.
The lactation space at Journey of Motherhood is designed to meet the unique needs of nursing parents. It is equipped with comfortable chairs and a changing table, as well as a refrigerator for storing milk. The space is also stocked with breastfeeding pillows, blankets, and other supplies to help make nursing as comfortable and convenient as possible.
What sets Journey of Motherhood’s lactation space apart is the supportive and nurturing environment. Joanne Dahill is an experienced doula and massage therapist, and she brings her expertise in body therapy to the lactation space. She offers massage and other body therapy techniques to help nursing parents relax and relieve tension. The lactation space is also a place where nursing parents can connect with other parents and share their experiences.
Overall, the lactation space at Journey of Motherhood is a reflection of the organization’s commitment to supporting the whole being of expectant and new parents. It is a warm and welcoming space that provides a supportive environment for nursing parents. Whether you are a first-time parent or a seasoned pro, Journey of Motherhood’s lactation space is a place where you can find the support and resources you need to thrive.
Las Palmas Mexican Restaurant
Breastfeeding is a natural part of life, but for many mothers, it can be difficult to find a welcoming and accommodating space to nurse their little ones while out and about. That’s why it’s so exciting to see businesses like Las Palmas Mexican Restaurant in Durham, NC, taking steps to create a supportive environment for breastfeeding families.
As a new mother, going out to eat can be a daunting experience. Will there be a comfortable place to nurse or pump? Will I feel judged or shamed for breastfeeding in public? These are just some of the concerns that nursing mothers may have when venturing out into the world with their little ones.
But at Las Palmas Mexican Restaurant, breastfeeding families can feel at ease knowing that they are welcomed and supported. When Breastfeed Durham volunteers first visited the restaurant, they spoke with the manager, Guadalupe Torres, about ways to support Spanish-speaking families and lactating employees. Guadalupe was enthusiastic about the idea of creating a lactation space, but in the meantime, he encouraged servers to bring their babies to work and nurse as needed.
As a result, when a breastfeeding mother comes into Las Palmas Mexican Restaurant to enjoy a meal, she can feel comfortable nursing her baby right at the table. She may even see servers at nearby booths nursing their own little ones during their breaks. This supportive environment can make all the difference for a new mother who is navigating the ups and downs of breastfeeding.
In addition to providing a welcoming environment for nursing mothers, Las Palmas Mexican Restaurant also offers delicious food and a friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for traditional Mexican dishes like tacos and enchiladas, or something a little more unique like their shrimp and mango salad, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your cravings. And with Guadalupe and his team committed to supporting breastfeeding families, you can feel good about supporting a business that cares about its community.
Breastfeeding is a natural and beautiful part of life, and it’s wonderful to see businesses like Las Palmas Mexican Restaurant taking steps to create a supportive environment for nursing mothers. By providing a comfortable space to nurse and welcoming breastfeeding families with open arms, businesses like Las Palmas are helping to create a more equitable and inclusive community for all.
MAAME, Inc. (in progress)
The lactation space at Maame’s Community Perinatal Wellness Center was set up with the support of Breastfeed Durham, and we were thrilled to be a part of the launch celebration. The space is filled with amazing images of Black and Brown women, creating a warm and welcoming environment for families. In addition to providing lactation supplies and resources, including a beautiful painting and a resource guide, Maame is exploring the possibility of offering milk sharing options for their clients.
We were impressed by the many ways in which Maame will be supporting the community, from sharing fresh vegetables from Black farmers to offering yoga classes upstairs. They are also opening their doors to community partners like Breastfeed Durham to hold meetings and collaborate on projects.
The launch of Maame’s Community Perinatal Wellness Center is a critical piece of support for Durham families, particularly for Black families who may face challenges in accessing racially concordant care. Maame’s commitment to offering equitable and empowering care to Black families is inspiring and much-needed.
We want to thank everyone who joined us at the ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the launch of Maame’s Community Perinatal Wellness Center, and we are excited to continue working together to improve Black maternal health outcomes in our community.
Max Hugo Interior Design
Max Hugo Interior Design is not just a store, it’s a place where mothers and families can feel welcomed and supported. The owner and staff are warm and welcoming, and they understand the challenges that come with being a new parent. They’ve created a space where families can meet the needs of their children, including breastfeeding. When one mother stumbled into the store sleep deprived and overwhelmed with a toddler and nursling, the staff invited her to breastfeed as she needed. The owner and staff have even breastfed babies behind the counter while working. Max Hugo Interior Design welcomes Auntie Parents to meet the needs of their child while shopping and working with a designer. It’s more than just a store, it’s a supportive community for mothers.
Max Hugo Interior Design is a full-service interior design firm based in Durham, North Carolina. They offer a range of services, including design consultations, space planning, furniture selection, custom window treatments, and project management. They work with both residential and commercial clients and offer a personalized approach to each project. The store itself is a beautiful and welcoming space, with a carefully curated selection of furniture, decor, and accessories. They pride themselves on creating spaces that are both functional and beautiful, tailored to the individual needs and style of each client.
Nantucket Grill
Located in Sutton Station, the Nantucket Grill is a cozy and welcoming restaurant that offers a beautiful outdoor space for families to enjoy a meal together. This restaurant is a favorite among breastfeeding parents, as it provides a comfortable and safe environment for nursing and breastfeeding. They proudly displayed the Breastfeed Durham window cling and welcome to the nursing parents and babies to eat. The outdoor space is perfect for nursing mothers who want to watch their older kids play in the grass while they nurse their babies.
The manager of Nantucket Grill is very passionate about creating a breastfeeding-friendly space for families. He is excited to support the Breastfeed Durham movement and is committed to going above and beyond to support breastfeeding parents and their babies. The restaurant proudly displays the Breastfeed Durham window cling and brochures, ensuring that customers are aware of the restaurant’s commitment to supporting breastfeeding families.
Nantucket Grill is the perfect place for nursing parents and their babies to grab a bite to eat. With its welcoming atmosphere and delicious menu, the restaurant provides a great place to enjoy a meal with your family. Whether you are looking for a romantic dinner with your spouse or a lunch date with your girlfriends and their nurselings, Nantucket Grill is the perfect spot.
Old Navy at New Hope Commons
Old Navy has always been known for its affordable fashion for the whole family, but they are now making a name for themselves as a breastfeeding-friendly store. The manager of the store understands the difficulties that come with breastfeeding and is proud to offer a lactation room for their employees. The room is equipped with a comfortable chair, a table, and an electrical outlet for mothers to use their breast pump. The room is also private and secure, so mothers can feel at ease while expressing milk.
But the support for breastfeeding at Old Navy doesn’t end there. The manager welcomes nursing mothers to breastfeed while shopping in the store. There are no restrictions on where a mother can breastfeed, and the staff will not ask mothers to move to a more discreet location. The store is also equipped with comfortable seating areas, so mothers can feel at ease while nursing their babies.
Breastfeeding can be a challenging and emotional journey, but Old Navy is making it easier for mothers to continue breastfeeding even while shopping. The manager of the store believes that it’s important for society to normalize breastfeeding, and Old Navy is doing their part to make it happen. By providing a lactation room for employees and welcoming nursing mothers to breastfeed while shopping, they are setting an example for other stores to follow suit.
It is important to remember that breastfeeding is a natural and healthy way to feed a baby, and it should be supported by everyone. With more and more stores recognizing the importance of lactation support, families can feel at ease while breastfeeding in public spaces. Thank you, Old Navy, for being a leader in lactation support and showing that breastfeeding is something to be celebrated.
Part & Parcel
Part & Parcel is an environmentally friendly food store that not only supports the health of their customers through the products they sell, but also through the services they offer. One such service is their lactation and sensory room, which provides a much-needed space for parents and children who may have sensory needs or require a quiet space to take a break.
This space is especially important for human milk feeding families who may need a comfortable and private space to nurse or pump. Part & Parcel welcomes all breastfeeding, chestfeeding, and human milk feeding families throughout the store, but the lactation and sensory room provides an additional level of support and comfort. The room is equipped with a comfortable chair and a table, making it easy for parents to nurse or pump in privacy.
The sensory aspect of the room is also important for parents and children who may have sensory sensitivities. The room is designed with soothing colors, soft lighting, and calming textures to create a peaceful environment. It’s a great place for parents to bring their overstimulated babies for some quiet time.
Overall, Part & Parcel’s lactation and sensory room is a wonderful addition to the store, offering a supportive space for all families, especially those with human milk feeding needs and sensory sensitivities.
Rofhiwa Book Cafe (in progress)
Breastfeed Durham is excited to have partnered with Rofhiwa Book Cafe to set up a welcoming lactation space for nursing parents. The space is equipped with a comfortable chair for nursing, a small table, and a beautiful painting on the wall.
In addition, Breastfeed Durham provided a resource notebook for parents to access important information about breastfeeding and lactation, as well as our new Black Breastfeeding Coalition Info Cards. These resources are meant to support and empower parents in their breastfeeding journey.
The Rofhiwa Book Cafe is a Black-owned business that serves as a hub for African literature, art, and culture. Breastfeed Durham is thrilled to support this community space in providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for nursing parents.
We commend Rofhiwa Book Cafe for their commitment to serving the Durham community, and for recognizing the importance of supporting breastfeeding families. The lactation space at Rofhiwa Book Cafe is a critical resource for nursing parents in the area, and we are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with this wonderful business.
Stylz Unlimited
Stylz Unlimited is not your typical hair salon, it’s a welcoming community that supports parents and their breastfeeding journeys. The salon is Black-owned and has 5 hairstylists, with 4 of them being moms themselves. Some are just starting out with their breastfeeding journey, while others are veterans, and they all share a common bond over their experiences.
One of the hairstylists is a retired doctor who breastfed her babies until they were 1 year old. She knows firsthand the struggles that come with breastfeeding, and she shares her knowledge and experiences with the community. She even advocates for breastfeeding now that she is retired.
But Stylz Unlimited goes beyond just talk, they have created a breastfeeding-friendly space in the salon. Families can come in, get their hair done, and breastfeed their babies all at the same time. The salon welcomes nursing mothers and provides a safe and comfortable space for them to breastfeed while getting their hair done. This is especially important for mothers who may be hesitant to breastfeed in public or feel uncomfortable doing so in a traditional hair salon setting.
Stylz Unlimited understands that breastfeeding is not always easy and that each journey is unique. They create a supportive environment where parents can feel comfortable and supported in their nursing journey. This is why they have become a staple in the community, providing a welcoming space for families and their babies.
Breastfeeding should be normalized in society, and Stylz Unlimited is doing their part to make this a reality. They are setting an example for other businesses to follow, and they’re doing it with style. The salon is more than just a place to get your hair done, it’s a community that supports and celebrates motherhood.
Subway, Coffee World, Ice Cream Club
Subway, Coffee World, and Ice Cream Club are more than just places to grab a quick bite, they are part of a community that supports nursing families. The Manager, a seasoned individual, understands the importance of breastfeeding and is happy to join the breastfeeding community. Although they don’t have a dedicated space for nursing mothers, the Manager was more than willing to put a sign on the door indicating that the space can be used for pumping or breastfeeding. They want to create a welcoming environment for families and ensure that they feel comfortable nursing in their establishment.
Breastfeeding is a natural and beautiful thing, and the Manager believes that families should feel free to breastfeed as long as they are comfortable. They are amazed by the efforts to promote the importance of breastfeeding and want to do their part in creating a supportive community for parents. The Manager hopes that other establishments will follow their lead and create lactation support spaces for nursing families.
It is important for society to normalize breastfeeding, and Subway, Coffee World, and Ice Cream Club are taking steps to make this happen. They understand the struggles that come with breastfeeding and want to show their support for nursing mothers. Whether it’s putting up a sign on the door or simply welcoming nursing mothers, every effort counts.
In a world where nursing parents can face judgment and discomfort, Subway, Coffee World, and Ice Cream Club are a breath of fresh air. They want to ensure that nursing families are supported and can feel comfortable nursing in their establishment. It’s a small gesture that can go a long way in making a positive impact on the breastfeeding community.
The Exercise Coach on Hwy 751, Suite 105
The Exercise Coach is a fitness facility that offers specialized exercise programs for people including pregnant individuals and postpartum women. They prioritize providing a welcoming and supportive environment for all families, including those who are breastfeeding. The facility encourages postpartum individuals to continue exercising and offers accommodations for newborns, such as allowing them to sleep in their car seats or stroller while their mothers exercise.
Additionally, support persons are welcome to come in and play with the baby while the mother exercises. The Exercise Coach is committed to supporting the health of families in the Durham area and warmly welcomes pregnant and lactating individuals to come in and learn more about their programs. They have a private lactation space available for employees who need it, ensuring that all of their staff members feel supported and comfortable. The facility’s bench is always open for families to use and provides a warm and welcoming environment for all including human milk feeding families.
The Wonder Lab
The Wonder Lab is a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) play and event space located in Durham, North Carolina. The space is designed to encourage children to learn and explore through hands-on activities and interactive exhibits. The Wonder Lab offers classes, workshops, and events that focus on science, math, engineering, and technology concepts in a fun and engaging way. The space is also available for private events and birthday parties. The Wonder Lab is owned and operated by Kate and Saul Bueno, who are passionate about education and providing a space for children to learn and play.
The lactation space at The Wonder Lab received support from Breastfeed Durham in multiple ways. In addition to providing inclusive signage for the space, the owners were also happy to receive some posters put together by Breastfeed Durham and even shared them on their Instagram stories. The lactation space itself was described as beautiful, welcoming, and affirming, with a private area designated for human milk feeding.
Breastfeed Durham also visited the space, with Amber Crews bringing a goodie bag full of items to support human milk feeding families. Rachel, one of the board members, also visited with her daughter and can be seen in one of the pictures. The Wonder Lab was also generous enough to offer to host one of the local lactation peer-to-peer support groups, demonstrating their commitment to supporting human milk feeding families in their community.