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 »
By Linels Higuera Ancidey, IBCLC, MPH Candidate, UNC Gillings School of Global Public HealthField Placement with Breastfeed Durham, Summer 2025 Breastfeeding is a cornerstone of maternal and child health, yet disparities persist across racial, ethnic, and linguistic groups. Spanish-speaking families in Durham face unique challenges, including limited culturally tailored lactation support and low Baby-Friendly Hospital
Educators and students across North Carolina have shared their experiences with breastfeeding in schools: “With my first baby, I was given no time to pump during End of Course testing… I leaked through my shirt and my jacket and my shoes were soaked in milk. I developed mastitis because I couldn’t pump when I needed
A Need for Statewide Initiative: Take a Stand for Breastfeeding Families Read More »
At Breastfeed Durham, we believe that every dollar is a vote for what matters most in our community. This month, our community cast a decisive vote for families: thanks to an anonymous donor, we are thrilled to announce the launch of the Lactation Collaborative. This generous gift secures the Collaborative for the next year, allowing us
Community Generosity Launches Breastfeed Durham’s Lactation Collaborative Read More »
“All non-locally controlled groceries, food markets, convenience stores, and pharmacies are encouraged to display lactation support information near infant formula/foods and to prevent local advertising of formula. This information may not be provided by the formula industry.”— Step 8.4, Ten Steps to a Breastfeeding Family Friendly Community Why Step 8.4 Matters Infant feeding choices are shaped
Step 8.4 in Action: Bringing Lactation Support to Store Shelves Across Durham Read More »
By Janiah Fladger, MPH CandidateUNC Gillings School of Global Public HealthField Placement with Breastfeed Durham, Summer 2025 This summer, I spent ten weeks knocking on business doors, managing spreadsheets, tabling at community events, and having deep, unexpected conversations about breastfeeding. As the Recruitment Coordinator for Breastfeed Durham’s Breastfeeding-Friendly Business Awards, I didn’t just help local businesses apply
This Cling Means Something”: Uplifting Families, One Business at a Time Read More »
Breastfeed Durham extends our deepest gratitude to Beyond Birth Lactation Services and Boutique for their generous $1,000 donation. 💜 Your gift helps us continue building our reserve fund so we can sustain and expand our work supporting families in Durham. Because of community partners like you, we are able to strengthen breastfeeding support, reduce infant mortality, and
Gratitude to Beyond Birth Read More »
