When Durham Technical Community College hosted its graduation ceremony at the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC), one of our longtime volunteers, Lauren, was among the many professionals behind the scenes. But as a new parent and lactating mother, she found herself without a dignified, private space to pump. Instead, she was offered priority parking so […]
DPAC Welcomes Lactating Guests with New Private Space Read More »
La Semana de la Lactancia Latina se Mueve al 8–14 de Septiembre We’re excited to share a big update from our partners at the Latinx/Latine Lactation Collective: Latine Breastfeeding Week will now be celebrated every year from September 8–14! Nos complace compartir una gran noticia de nuestras compañeras de la Colectiva de Lactancia Latinx/Latine: la Semana de la Lactancia Latina ahora se celebrará cada año del 8 al 14 de septiembre. This change brings several important benefits: Este cambio trae varios beneficios importantes: As Brenda Vieyra, co-chair of the Collective, shared: “We recognize change can be challenging, especially after two years with our previous dates. However, this decision is rooted in community feedback, respect, and our commitment to inclusivity and growth.” Como compartió Brenda Vieyra, copresidenta de la Colectiva: “Reconocemos que el cambio puede ser desafiante, especialmente después de dos años con nuestras fechas anteriores. Sin embargo, esta decisión está arraigada en la retroalimentación comunitaria, el respeto y nuestro compromiso con la inclusión y el crecimiento.” Planning is already underway, and the theme for this year will be announced soon. Please mark your calendars and stay tuned! La planificación ya está en marcha, y el tema de este año se anunciará pronto. ¡Por favor, marque su calendario y esté atento a las actualizaciones! The Collective also respectfully asks that other groups planning breastfeeding events honor the autonomy of Latine Breastfeeding Week by avoiding overlap and reaching out in advance. La Colectiva también solicita respetuosamente que otras organizaciones que estén planificando eventos de lactancia respeten la autonomía de la Semana de la Lactancia Latina, evitando la superposición y contactando con antelación si es necesario. We are proud to stand with the Latinx/Latine Lactation Collective in celebrating and uplifting Latine families and lactation leaders. Estamos orgullosos de apoyar a la Colectiva de Lactancia Latinx/Latine en la celebración y el reconocimiento de las familias latinas y líderes en lactancia.
Latine Breastfeeding Week Moves to September 8–14 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, and local flavor. At the market, we connected with shoppers, shared “Breastfeeding Welcome Here” materials, and answered questions about feeding infants in public spaces. Later that day, our Starting Solids Workshop gave parents a chance to: It was a day of nourishment — for bodies and for community. 📸 Check out some of our favorite moments from the day below! Thank you to the families who joined us, the farmers who welcomed us, and the little ones who tried their first tastes. We’re so grateful to walk beside you on this journey.
Fresh Starts and First Foods: May 14 with Breastfeed Durham Read More »
Beads, bubbles, and breastfeeding support – Breastfeed Durham showed up in style for the FCR Family Fun Day on Friday, May 16, joining in the Mardi Gras-themed celebration with heart and purpose. Our table overflowed with vibrant purple, green, and gold – but more than that, it overflowed with community connections, trusted resources, and encouragement for every parent navigating infant feeding. As families enjoyed the day’s festivities – from music and dancing to face painting and games – our team was there offering: We loved seeing parents and little ones dressed up in Mardi Gras gear, stopping by to learn more about what it means to be a Breastfeeding Family Friendly Community. Whether it was a new mom wondering about latching, a dad asking how to support his partner, or a business owner curious about our signage, every interaction made a difference. This event reminded us that support doesn’t have to look clinical or formal – it can be joyful, colorful, and rooted in celebration. Every bead shared and every resource handed out was another step toward a more connected, informed, and nurturing Durham. Special thanks to families and Communities rRsing for organizing such a beautiful day!
Breastfeed Durham Brings the Joy to FCR Family Fun Day – Mardi Gras Style! Read More »
Some news hits the heart of a community. This week, we learned that Emerald Doulas, a beloved part of Durham’s maternal and infant health landscape for the past decade, will be closing their physical office at the end of May and dissolving their birth doula team by September. These changes come as the founder, Melanie,
Emerald Doulas’ Legacy and Community Support Read More »
On April 28, 2025, we had the privilege of gathering with leaders from Lincoln Community Health Center and the Durham WIC office to celebrate something truly special—the grand opening of their new lactation space at Lincoln Community Health Center’s Lakewood location on Chapel Hill Road. This wasn’t just about a room or a building; it
Grand Opening at WIC and Lincoln Community Health Center’s Chapel Hill Road Site Read More »
At Durham’s 2025 First Food Equity Series, community members issued a clear call to action: Let’s not wait for perfect systems—let’s each do one thing this year to fill the gaps in care. Below is a shared roadmap drawn from that call, reflecting what our neighbors said they need and what we can do together. This year’s
A Community Call to Close the Gaps in Lactation Support Read More »
In April 2025, a powerful virtual gathering brought together lactation consultants, peer supporters, WIC leaders, physicians, policy advocates, and parents to discuss how to implement Step 6 of the Ten Steps to a Breastfeeding Family Friendly Community: Ensure access to culturally and linguistically appropriate lactation support. The panel was hosted by Piedmont AHEC with support from the
First Food Equity Series: Bridging Gaps from Birth to Breast: Special Edition Read More »
At Breastfeed Durham, we are thrilled to share some encouraging news that reflects meaningful progress in our ongoing efforts to ensure equitable access to breastfeeding support. Julie Ghurtskaia, Vice President of Population Health at Carolina Complete Health, recently shared an exciting update: Carolina Complete Health now offers streamlined access to breast pumps for members—no prior authorization
Progress in Breast Pump Access: A Win for Families Read More »
Durham Public Schools (DPS) has officially met Step 10 of the Breastfeeding Family Friendly Communities initiative! This milestone ensures that breastfeeding education is integrated into community-wide curricula, helping to normalize human lactation and empower future generations with essential knowledge and support. The Journey to Step 10: Breastfeeding Friendly Education in our K-12 Schools Breastfeed Durham
Durham Public Schools Achieves Step 10 of a Breastfeeding Family Friendly Community Read More »
